Pareeksha Movie Review- A realistic take on Indian Education system

I have shared time and again that I am a movie buff and love to watch movies that reflect on our society and the socio-political culture we live in. And I have closely followed one of the most revered filmmakers of our Indian cinema, Prakash Jha. Prakash Jha is known for creating hard-hitting movies in Indian cinema. Recently one such inspiring story and movie by Prakash Jha, Pareeksha was premiered on most sough-after OTT platform ZEE5.

The plot of the movie and cast

Recently I happened to watch the movie and was so touched by the role played by each and every character.  The movie is a tough take on the Indian education system in India and how education plays a key role in creating a fairer and more equal society. The film stars Adil Hussain, Priyanka Bose, Sanjay Suri in the main lead roles. The film takes on the education system in India and revolves around the story of an ordinary rickshaw driver in Bihar who aspires and dreams of providing maximum possible quality education to his son by making arrangements for him to study at a private English medium school.

One of the best things about the movie is how a simple rickshaw puller, the role played by Adil Hussain toils hard all day to meet the ends meet. Due to the nature of his work he often crosses the rich English medium school and dreams of getting his son enrolled in the school. With a bare income earned by him and his wife, he sets out to dream big. He realizes way early in life that the only way to beat poverty is to provide the best of education to his son from English medium school. The story revolves around how far this father is ready to go to fulfill the dreams #SapneSachKarenge.

Facts and Trivia

‘Pareeksha – The Final Test’ is based on the true story of IPS officer Abhayanand, who teaches kids in a village in Bihar affected by the Naxalism to help them clear the IIT-JEE exams. The story is built around a sensitive subject on the Indian education system and its shortcomings.

Going back to the movie and how with a lot of effort the rickshaw puller gets his son enrolled in the English medium school. The story later revolves around how the Bulbul (Son of Buchi, the rickshaw puller) struggles to assimilate into an English-speaking environment. He has better grasps on certain subjects that he had learned at government Hindi medium school, but he finds it difficult to speak English adequately. Amidst this drama unfolds various political aspects, the fundamental conflicts between class, language, and education in India, and makes some pertinent observations.

As the movie moves ahead it showcases the struggles faced by Buchi, to fulfill the demands of the school and higher fees being a major concern. How Bulbul’s mother works extra hours in a utensil factory, Buchi slipping further into the world of theft to pay their son’s exorbitant fees.

The film has received mixed reviews from critics. Few characters have been able to do complete justice to the role and some have frayed midway. The role of mother played by Priyanka Bose seems to be a stronger parent amongst the two and she has balanced out her role with strengths and weaknesses. Adil Husain has played the role of father and there have been moments when you will pity his condition and how he struggles in life. Bulbul seems to be a mature kid and he wants to also soar high in the sky with good education #SapneSachKarenge. Sanjay Suri draws a convincing portrait of a man in uniform endowed with the spirit of a change agent.

There are various highs in the movie and are worth appreciating too. Despite the troubles faced by Bulbul at his school he still manages to top his class earns the grudging approval of his teachers and the school management. Pareeksha captures the small-town ambiance of Ranchi with precision while ensuring that the drama inherent in the pursuit of an impossible dream is universal. Basically, strength to make the dreams come true #SapneSachKarenge. One of the things that have won the heart is the movie banking on local actors, who deliver performances that are profoundly authentic.

While the filmmaker has tried to touch up upon various factors affecting the Indian education system he has also missed some important issues as well. There is always a possibility to dig deeper and explore beyond the most obvious binaries. There is a need to discuss the equalities in the education system and inclusion of all irrespective of caste, community, and economic conditions. Everybody should get equal rights to education and having a better life.

The film strikes a chord with everyone and is a must-watch to witness how dreams do come true with sheer dedication.

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