The Expression Hub

Starring : Swara Bhaskar, Pankaj Tripathi, Ratna Pathak Shah, Riya Shukla, Sanjay Suri, Neha Prajapati, Prashant Tiwari

Directed by: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari

Genre: Comedy- Drama

” When people tell you that you are good for nothing, remember that God made the world from nothing and nothing can change into something anytime.”

Luffina Lourdiraj

Another week another post. I am so excited to share with you all my latest find that I cannot contain my excitement. It is like undertaking a new trip and then sharing with you all the major highlights. Hope you all are safe and staying protected inside your homes. Also, the Olympics are on. So, that might have diverted your attention off the negativity. It is always good to divert your mind off the negativity. This is because you never know when negativity starts affecting you. So, why add to your woes? Be happy, be grateful and be optimistic.

Okay talking about my latest pick in the fantastic world of movies – this one is a woman centric movie called Nil Battey Sannata. This is a Hindi movie which reflects some harsh realities about poor people but in a comical manner. This one is directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari. This was her debut film which went on to harness critical acclaim.

Storyline: Apu or Apeksha Sahay is a very carefree girl who has not bothered to take her studies seriously till date even though she has reached her 10th standard. This indifferent attitude of hers worries her single mother Chanda. Chanda is a high school dropout who supports Apu’s education by undertaking 4 different jobs. One of them includes working as a maid for Dr. Diwan. She narrates her woes to Dr. Diwan who suggests her to hire a Maths tutor for her daughter. But given the high fees, Chanda is distraught. By looking at her disappointed face, Mrs. Diwan suggests a unique solution to solve her problem. What is the solution? Does Chanda undertake it ? Does it help her to solve her problem?Watch the movie to find out the answers to these questions.

Scrutiny: This one explores the concept of a poor girl who is apathetic towards her studies . The reason is simple enough because she feels that if she cannot continue her studies further, then what is the use of studying ? Also, the fact that she is going to end up like her mother makes her detest her studies. The movie also explores the struggles a mother undertakes to ensure that she has a bright future. This is the case in majority of the families who feel that it is their children’s education which will change their lives, But there are some children who do not understand their parents’ struggles and act as if they don’t care. This is beautifully depicted through the character of Apeksha.

The positives of the movie : 1. Beautiful and realistic portrayal of the characters. Believe me I am not a big fan of Swara Bhaskar as an actor. This is because she is simply a bigmouth who has managed to survive in the industry thanks to the controversies that surround her. But her acting along with that of Riya Shukla is worth the mention.

2. Out of the box thinking by Mrs. Diwan portrayed by Ratna Pathak Shah to encourage Apeksha to study.

3. The story line which is gripping as well as realistic. Generally, Hindi movies are supposed to be outlandish but this one is a harsh reality of the situations and the struggles poor people undertake to make their ends meet.

4. The light manner in which the subject is dealt with. It doesn’t seem over the top neither it seems too preachy.

5. Another person whose performance actually makes you smile and is worth mentioning is that of Pankaj Tripathi. Initially reluctant, but when he is convinced he undertakes the challenge.

6. The beautiful conversation the mother- daughter have on facing challenges in life. That scene actually makes you fall in love with their characters again and again.

7. The bond which the mother -daughter share just melts your heart. It reminds you of the bond which we share with our parents. This despite the fact that they have a lot of differences in their opinions. While one is thinking progressive and of moving ahead in life , the other just feels it is okay to be mediocre. Yet when one gets upset, the other tries to make her happy and vice versa.

The negatives: None I could not find any as there is no dull moment.

The sentiment: This one just like my other recommendations is a must watch or to be added to your watch list. Watch it for the gripping story line, power packed performances by Swara Bhaskar, Riya Shukla and Pankaj Tripathi. Also watch it for the comic moments which are delivered in full desi style. The movie imparts a powerful and a very strong message in a lighthearted manner. This one is a complete full family entertainer. So, do watch it with your family because this won’t disappoint you. Meet you next week with a new pick. Till then keep yourselves safe and protected.

Rating : **** and1/2 stars

Quote Unquote: “Insaan do cheezon se banta hai – ya toh kismat ya toh mehnat. Aur gareeb ke paas kismat hoti toh woh gareeb thodi hota; toh bachi mehnat wahi karni padegi” (Mrs. Diwan to Chanda)

[ Man is made by either two things either by good luck or by hard work. The poor do not have good luck in their favor. So, the only option remaining with them to make it big is by undertaking hard work]

Que : What does Pintu, initially want to become ?

a. Film Star

b. Post man

c. IAS officer

d. Driver