Amole Gupte tells a splendid and tasty little heartwarming story that is poignant and entertaining. It reminded me of Nila Madhab Panda equally terrific 'I Am Kalam'. While Panda's film had a more fairy tale feel to it, Gupte's film is more of a slice of life. He has penned down a solid script. He has vastly improved since 'Taare Zameen Par' (which tended to be preachy at times). He shows a very keen understanding of children's psyche. Moreover, Gupte has done a stupendous job as director.
Much of the film is set inside a school and it focuses on the teacher's and student's interaction and yet it is done with so much authenticity and sincerity. The innocence and playful nature of the children is beautifully demonstrated and the weariness of everyday school, that we have once experienced, is well captured.
The execution is simple and superb. The art direction and cinematography are very good. The songs are soothing, with nice lyrics and music. The performances are brilliant, especially the child actors. Amole Gupte is excellent as the voracious Hindi teacher and Divya Dutta can easily make a strong impression with her presence alone and here she brings positive energy. But the film centers on Partho Gupte who is outstanding with a natural performance which is easily one of the finest of the year.
I was initially under the impression that this was a children's film but that's not the case. Both children AND adults ought to watch this because it's an important film that pretty much makes the same point that Panda's 'I Am Kalam' does: All children deserve to live their childhood like a child and they must be educated.
Much of the film is set inside a school and it focuses on the teacher's and student's interaction and yet it is done with so much authenticity and sincerity. The innocence and playful nature of the children is beautifully demonstrated and the weariness of everyday school, that we have once experienced, is well captured.
The execution is simple and superb. The art direction and cinematography are very good. The songs are soothing, with nice lyrics and music. The performances are brilliant, especially the child actors. Amole Gupte is excellent as the voracious Hindi teacher and Divya Dutta can easily make a strong impression with her presence alone and here she brings positive energy. But the film centers on Partho Gupte who is outstanding with a natural performance which is easily one of the finest of the year.
I was initially under the impression that this was a children's film but that's not the case. Both children AND adults ought to watch this because it's an important film that pretty much makes the same point that Panda's 'I Am Kalam' does: All children deserve to live their childhood like a child and they must be educated.