Release Date: 22 April 2016
Starring: Swara Bhaskar, Ratna Pathak, Pankaj Tripathy and Riya Shukla
Directed by: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Produced by: Anand L. Rai and Ajay Rai
Story: Nitesh Tiwari
Music by: Rohan and Vinayak
Duration: 1 hr 44 min
Genre: Drama, Family
Censor Rating: U
About Movie Nil Battey Sannata
Set in Agra, Nil Battey Sannata revolves around a poverty stricken single mother who has a lazy, ambition-less daughter. Working as a domestic helper, Chanda (played by Swara Bhaskar) has some great plans for the future of her daughter Apeksha alias Apu (played by Riya Shukla) who is least interested in studies as she believes her sole motive in life is to become a maid, just like her mother. A simple and heart-warming movie, Nil Battey Sannata throws lights on the critical issue of child education in today’s contemporary society. As the flick progresses, it unveils interesting sequences wherein small dreams constantly face the most daunting obstacles in the form of poverty and privation.
Plot
Nil Battey Sannata is the story of a single mother who works multiple jobs daily and dreams real ‘big’ for her daughter. Playing the role of a single parent is Chanda (Swara Bhaskar) who works as domestic help, prepares pickles and works at a shoe factory to support her rebellious, 15-year-old, class 10th student daughter Apeksha/Apu (Riya Shukla). Consistently failing in Mathematics, Apu is disinterested in academics. Paying heed to this, Chanda saves every penny to enrol Apu in a coaching class; basis the latter passes her pre-boards with 50 per cent marks.
On watching the regular stress lines on Chanda’s face, her employer (played by Ratna Pathak Shah) leads her to take admission in her daughter’s school and also in the same class. As expected, Apu is extremely embarrassed and even horrified that her mother (Chanda) not only shares her classroom but also is regarded as popular and hardworking. It is this battle of wits that forms the crux of Nil Battey Sannata.
Performances
Swara Bhaskar’s performance as a poverty stricken, ambitious and single mother is worth a salute. The actress has clearly won hearts as Chanda and you’ll definitely like her and pity her throughout the movie. The way she has pumped life in her character is something you can’t afford to miss for sure.
Next is Riya Shukla who plays the role of Apeksha alias Apu in Nil Battey Sannata. Her performance as a rebellious teen is too captivating and she has done complete justice to her role in the flick. Shukla’s ultimate dialogue delivery is laudable, making her character believable.
Ratna Pathak Shah’s role as the benevolent employer to Chanda (Swara Bhaskar) is very endearing. Her funny quips, antiques and words of wisdom for Chanda have been quite cute. The light humour added by Ratna has actually worked for Nil Battey Sannata, preventing it from becoming an all-serious and tear-loaded flick.
Finally, Pankaj Tripathy (playing the role of Riya’s zealous school principal and Math teacher) has delivered a riveting performance. The playfulness in his sternness is surely a delight to watch.
Nil Battey Sannata Music
An excellent score by the Mauka duo Rohan and Vinayak, Nil Battey Sanatta is a music album that covers all the twists and turns in the flick brilliantly. While ‘Math Mein Dabba Gul’ is an impressive, lively duet showcasing ultimate hatred for the Maths subject, “Maa” comes in two variants- Mohan Kannan’s rock style and Hariharan’s Bollywood style.
Details of songs in the movie
1. “Maths Mein Dabba Gul”
Singer(s): Rohan Utpat & Aarti Shenai
Duration: 02:59
2. “Murabba”
Singer(s): Neuman Pinto
Duration: 03:55
3. “Maula”
Singer(s): Nandini Srikar
Duration: 03:38
4. “Maa”
Singer(s): Mohan Kannan
Duration: 03:25
5. “Maa- A. Hariharan”
Singer(s): A. Hariharan
Duration: 03:26
6. “Maa Theme”
Singer(s): Instrumental
Duration: 02:21
7. “ Chanda Theme”
Singer(s): Instrumental
Duration: 02:07
What’s Good?
Swara Bhaskar as Chanda is the ultimate USP of Nil Battey Sannata. The way debutant director Ashwini Iyer Towari has weaved the story is truly outstanding. Other lead actors including Riya aka Apeksha, Ratna Pathak Shah aka Chanda’s employer and Pankaj Tripathy aka school headmaster have portrayed their characters well.
What’s Bad?
Well, there are few areas where the focus was absolutely unnecessary. Also, some scenes in the flick didn’t have a good emotional music score, resulting in the scenes being unable to create a good impact on the audiences.
Verdict
As a truly fitting tribute to mothers and their unconditional and selfless love, Nil Battey Sannata is a must-watch for all mothers and daughters.
Nil Battey Sannata Rating ****
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