Well-intentioned, but underwhelming

Johnson Thomas

Set in 1997-98 when Kota’s IIT coaching classes were gaining momentum and recognition, this film, replete with nostalgic moments and songs that remind one of college hostel days, has something worthwhile to talk about, but the slow-mo approach, underwhelming narration and unremarkable performances turn it into a terribly boring and energy- draining watch.

The events in this film could be likened to a microscopic version of ‘Kota Factory’. However, its similarity to Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s much superior, brilliantly conceptualised and acted ‘12th Fail’ and its predecessor, the rib-tickling, feel-good Rajkumar Hirani’s ‘3 Idiots’, is rather odious.

The film marks supremely talented writer, lyricist, satirist and stand-up comic Varun Grover’s directorial debut. Also written by him, it’s a coming-of-age drama set in Kota.

Vivek (Bodhisattva Sharma), 17, who is not exceptionally brilliant and has an inclination to join BA in his hometown Lucknow, has been cajoled and belittled into joining IIT-JEE coaching run by Bundela Madam (Sheeba Chaddha) in Kota. His father, RK Singh (Shashi Bhushan), a mid-level sarkari naukar (so to speak), has been saving money for years with this goal in mind.

At that young age, most kids don’t have an inkling as to what they truly want to do and therefore, get swayed with the force of the tide. For parents, the driving force is the pride in having an IITian for a son or daughter. Vivek is often told that he has to shoulder the hopes and responsibilities of the family and cracking the most difficult exam in the world would be the key. Hesitant but still game, Vivek, equipped with his mother’s lovingly prepared year-long supply of laddoos, occupies a single room and sets out in earnest to make his mark in the world.

The aam aadmi’s dream stands a chance, you would think. First the loneliness, the homesickness, worries about his mother’s deteriorating health, and then disreputable friendships and finally, youthful infatuation trip him. His efforts at the mock tests remain average, leaving little hope of scoring an All India Rank. But the problem here is not the lack of scores. Varun’s depiction of fruitless pursuits lacks rhythm and vibe. The animation inserts are beautifully done. The songs will certainly rekindle memories and nostalgic recollections of Manmohan Singh’s liberalisation agenda fueling change through heightened aspirations are deftly drawn.

Remarkably humourless, Varun’s narrative fails to work up affection, pace or tempo. The character arcs are all so feebly drawn that they just don’t register. The helming feels rather laidback. You don’t feel either the energy or the emotions strongly enough for this story to matter.

Navigating through middle-class foibles also doesn’t beget any relief. Fractured friendships, betrayal, hopeless love just don’t affect you. The actors are sincere enough in representing their characters. It’s the lack of pace, tension and heightened emotion that wears you done. This is an overly underwhelming effort and there’s nothing here that is likely to enliven your experience.