We say “बच्चों के ख़ातिर हम क्या कुछ नहीं करते हैं”। It is very true that we go beyond our limits to provide our kids the facilities and comfort they need. Sometimes, if we can’t achieve our dreams for some reason, we make sure that our kids shouldn’t go through the same feeling of unfulfilled desires and dreams. As parents, we only expect them to value what they are getting. Recently, I watched a movie that had an emotional aspect and conveyed a strong message to society. It is a 2019 release, but I watched it a couple of weeks ago. The name of the movie is “Pareeksha”. Directed by Prakash Jha, this film is based on the real-life story of IPS officer Abhayanad, who teaches and coaches kids in a village in Bihar affected by the Naxal to help them pass in the IIT-JEE exams.
Cast:
Adil Hussain as Buchi
Priyanka Bose as Radhika
Sanjay Suri as SP Kailash Anand
Shubham Jha as Bulbul
Language: Hindi
Duration: 102 minutes
Distributed by: Zee5
Story Plot:
Even though the set-up is very simple (nothing like Bollywood feel), Pareeksha touched on a couple of critical and strong topics. It has beautifully shown the strong bond the family shares with each other and a matured understanding between son and father. Buchi, a cycle rickshaw puller which he addresses as “Buchi Express”, lives with his wife Radhika, who works at a steel utensil manufacturing unit, and son named Bulbul who studies at a Government school.
Buchi and Radhika are very hard-working and have a strong desire to educate their son at a good school. Bulbul is a bright and well-behaved boy who understands their financial condition and also his parent’s expectations. Knowing his son’s caliber and the career opportunities he will get, Buchi wants him to study at an International school. He often says “wahaan pe chance nahin milta hai (roughly: you don’t get opportunities there / they don’t give you a shot at life)”. With this desire, he talks to the principal of the school. After some initial hesitation and the board member’s unwillingness, the principal agrees to take Bulbul’s exam to evaluate his potential. Without any difficulty, he surprises the examiners. Leaving no room for any further discussion, he gets admitted to the school.
New struggle awaits for Bulbul and his parents:
On one hand they are pleased about this news, but on the other hand, the huge expenses are a big question for Bulbul’s parents. Getting accepted by his classmates and teachers isn’t easy for Bulbul either. But Bulbul’s intelligence soon make him popular among everyone at school. He start to help his friends with their studies, and in return, they teach him English. But the problem with his parents is much bigger than this. The ongoing expenses forces Buchi to take a different route. Knowing that he is not doing the right thing, his dreams for Bulbul couldn’t stop him. He gets caught in something serious and has to go to jail. The worst part is Bulbul’s Board exams are about to start.
There is always a ray of hope:
Buchi, who wasn’t ready to tell anything, later opens up to S P Kailash Anand. He requests him to keep it a secret from Radhika and Bulbul. When Kailash visits his place and sees the desire to study in Bulbul and among other kids, he decides to guide them after his work hours. Even though whatever Buchi has done is for his son, it isn’t the correct way. So, now he has to face its consequences. But he is satisfied that Bulbul is getting help.
Did they get success in their respective Pareeksha (test)?
Whatever happened with his dad, affects Bulbul to a great extent. Bulbul wants to fulfill his parent’s dreams, but the school committee is concerned about their school’s reputation.
So, what will be the result of their Pareeksha? Will Radhika and Bulbul be able to understand his helplessness? Will Bulbul fulfill his parent’s dreams?
What impressed me about Pareeksha?
The importance of education that is shown in Pareeksha is very impressive. Education is the only way to get out of this hell, Buchi observes.
1.The maturity and understanding showed by Bulbul.
2.One should stand for themselves.
3.Intelligence has nothing to do with someone’s financial status.
4.Pareeksha is that rare contemporary Hindi film that is not afraid to examine India’s caste system. Pareeksha does not use the word “caste” anywhere but with a scene featuring a reprehensible father from Bulbul’s school, the family’s address and the mention of Buchi’s last name at one point, it leaves us in no doubt about his background.
Hard truth:
1.The considerable gap between the high and lower class.
2.How a financial burden sometimes puts a person in a vicious circle of unpleasant deeds.
3.Stereotyped thinking of people.
Final thoughts:
From this review, it is quote evident that I liked this movie in many ways. If you haven’t watched it yet, please give it a watch with your kids.
The movie maker Prakqsh Jha is known to make meaningful movies with strong messages. I think I will like the movie is “Pareeksha” being an educationist.
It’s a wonderful family movie.
This is something that we all tend to over look. I love the plot. It is a very hard hitting reality of our society. Thanks for the review. Would watch it for sure.
Its is a sad truth.
I did not heard about this movie before but your post has made me curious to watch it soon. sounds like a great movie with a strong message on education.
Same here Surbhi, I found it while exploring Zee5. And since I liked the cast, I started to watch it.
I have watched this movie and couldn’t agree more with your review. Based on real-life events, this is indeed the best movie to watch with kids.
Thats good to know that you resonate with my thoughts.
I love movies based on education theme. Such a good review Alpana. Will surely watch this movie.
Thanks
Pareeksha seems to be a really interesting and thought-provoking movie. The importance of education for our country cannot be stressed enough and this movie seems to drive the message in a really forceful and impressive manner.
Yes, it is a powerful movie.
Damn there are so many good movies and series i want to watch on zee5 and I haven’t yet gotten the renewal done. Let me check this series soon.
Zee5 has now started streaming in the USA so I found this movie.
I wasn’t aware of this movie. While pareeksha does talk about some potent and hard hitting points, I think it is a movie before RTE was launched in India. Good that we are talking about such issues.
It was a new movie to me. it was released in 2019.
I haven’t watched this movie, don’t know how it got missed. I am sure I have seen the trailer but don’t know what stopped me from watching it. After reading your views and the story plot, I want to watch it right now. Thanks for the recommendation.
I am sure, you will like it.
Oh, I haven’t watched it yet. Your review is so convincing that I am missing out on a must-watch movie, definitely going to watch it soon 🙂
I had the same thoughts when I spotted that on Zee5.
The Story touched my heart, loved the presentation and the hard work of Sir Adil Hussain and all actors have done brilliant work, Sir Prakash Jha wrote and Directed the perfect masterpiece .
They have portrayed the situation very well.
The plot is very interesting and I love the way you’ve reviewed the movie. I will try to watch it this weekend.. Thanks for the recommendation
Thank you.
I love your movie reviews. That said, am definitely planning to watch Pareeksha movie this weekend with friends/family. Seems like an interesting plot.
Thanks you. Yes, it is a wonderful movie.
The plot is impressive and the base as Education makes it relatable too. Storyline somewhere reminded of Super 30 Hindi movie where students from lower caste and poor background are judged and they do not have many opportunities. Shall consider watching this one, hope it has English subtitles.
Yes, it has. But the movie is in Hindi.
Looks like this a great movie to watch. I haven’t seen the movie yet. But after this review the movie is on wishlist. Thanks for the review.
Do watch it.
I’ve not seen this movie as yet. But coming frm Prkash Jha, I am sure it’s a fabulous and a meaningful watch.
yes, for sure.
I didn’t knew about this.i am actually not at all a movie buff so i don’t know what movie is going on..and all.but i will surely going to watch this movie.Thank you for this post
Thanks
I don’t really keep up with Zee5 releases but your review of this film is so lovely that I would like to watch it! Thanks for sharing!
Same here Noor. I don’t keep up with Zee5 either but I like the actor so I gave it a try.
I hadn’t heard of this movie. For a change a reel that mimics real life… Thats a good movie indeed. From your review i feel its a good movie and should be watched. Adding it to my tbw list.
It is a good one.