Match Fixing: The Nation At Stake” is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language political thriller directed by Kedaar Gaekwad and produced by Pallavi Gurjar under Artarena Creations Pvt. Ltd. Based on the book “The Game Behind Saffron Terror” by retired Colonel Kanwar Khatana, the film explores the political dynamics surrounding the narrative of ‘Saffron Terror’ in India between 2004 and 2008. The story centers on Colonel Avinash Patwardhan, portrayed by Vineet Kumar Singh, a decorated army officer who uncovers a conspiracy involving powerful political entities and intelligence agencies. As he delves deeper, Patwardhan becomes entangled in a web of deceit and manipulation, revealing how narratives were crafted to serve political interests, leading up to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Upon its release on January 10, 2025, the film received mixed reviews. While some critics praised its bold storytelling and Vineet Kumar Singh’s compelling performance, others pointed out uneven execution and controversial themes. The Times of India noted that the film delves into the dynamics of how powerful entities collaborated to craft the narrative of saffron terrorism in India, leading to widespread unrest. Despite the polarized reception, “Match Fixing” sparked significant discussions on the intersection of politics and national security, highlighting the complexities of truth and propaganda in contemporary society.
