Bally Chohan says that the Peepli Live is a smart little film that has presented the real India without glossing over any sort of contradictions of our democracy. The film is refreshingly fresh story that works touches audiences. Bally Chohan is touched by a scene where so called caretaker of Indian state gifts Natha ‘Lal Bahadur’ (hand pump) in order to prevent him from committing suicide. However the hand pump remains unutilised for the lack of funds for its fittings. The hand pump lies unused in the Natha’s courtyard and doubles up mostly as a plaything for the village urchins. Also there is an incident where a local Politian tries to gain mileage by gifting Natha a colour television. Finally there are some official from state government who tries all tricks available of garibi-hatao schemes, only to realize in the end that there is nothing to prevent a suffering farmer from committing suicide.
Bally Chohan Dubai feels that the high point of Peepli Live is its script. The script of Peepli Live as per Bally Chohan is smart and sassy. However the life-like portrayal of characters has added life and a refreshing authenticity to the Peepli Live. The actors in the movie are handpicked from Habib Tanvir’s famed Naya Theater troupe. This is the first movie of journalist turned director Anusha Rizvi.
Bally Chohan says that the performance of Raghubir Yadav, Omar Manikpuri and Farrukh Jafer is excellent. Jaffer’s old and acrimonious mother has also come up with a brilliant performance. Bally Chohan Dubai would like to applaud the music of Peepli Live which according to Bally Chohan deserves a special mention. The music of Peepli Live is full of folksy lyrics and tunes by a music group Indian Ocean. The group of Indian Ocean is ably supported by Nageen Tanvir, Brij Mandal and rest.
Bally Chohan feels that the film is Peepli Live has some flaws also. Like the film tends to get repetitive midway. Moreover the Peepli Live lacks the much needed emotional conflict of Natha and his family members. They are left as mostly bystanders in the circus that revolves around them.
However the Peepli Live is by an large a lively and living document on the other India that lives beyond the neon lights and cruising metros. Bally Chohan would like to congratulate Aamir Khan for coming up with yet another ace. However, this time around Aamir Khan is a producer and not leading character in the film.
Bally Chohan Dubai would recommend this movie with a rating of four out of five stars.
