How important is casting for a film, Peepli Live is a suitable example of it. Every actor picked up seems to be living for this film only. Raghubir Yadav, a veteran theatre & character artist and one of the few natural actors along with debutant Omkar das thakur, another theatre artist of Madhya Pradesh delivers a delectable performance and make Peepli Live an entertaining watch.
Story belongs to a peaceful, remote village where Budiya(Raghubir Yadav) and Nattha(Omkar das thakur) are struggling to pay bank loan and get their ancestral farming land back. With great hopes they beg to local leader, who rather than helping, jokingly implants “Suicide” idea to the poor villagers mind. Budhiya & Natha are hooked to this idea that if one of them commits suicide, government would grant them Rs 1 lakhs, which is enough to end their miseries. Once they validate government suicide scheme, it’s decided that Nattha would execute this responsibility.
But this is the world of Aaj Taks & India Tvs and cameras are lurking around to get a bite of “Breaking news”, which then can be blown as per TV channels boss’s discretion to the ogre proportion, to get higher TRPs. Somehow Nattha’s suicide news is passed to a local journalist, who publishes it in the local newspaper. Elections are round the corner and “Nattha Suicide” is an unprecedented event and a potential Cover story for Media.
One reporter lands in Peepli to cover Natta’s suicide and soon whole of the media fraternity surge behind to shoot their “Exclusive” version of the same story. Every New channel crams their staffs in Peepli and their whole focus are on Nattha and his every single activity (including nature’s call).Media personnel with boom mikes and cameras cause consternation to the Nattha’s bemused family.One group of politicians want to forestall Nattha’s suicide, while others are hell bent to make him a martyr.This is difficult situation for Nattha and his family.There is chaos all around in the village, which creates funny, interesting and humours situations. One is sure to laugh his heart out in more than dozen occasions. What happens to Nattha, Budhiya, his family and his suicide plan amidst the hoard of news crazy media is Peepli Live.
Director Anusha Rizvi had chosen a risky issue but backed by his deft handling of the subject and meticulous support of Aamir khan, satire of Peepli Live has come alive. Writing is lucid,dialogues are natural and suit the different character’s demand. People, who have lived in village for some time would be easily able to relate with the dialect. Editing is sharp and keeps you hooked to the interesting events. Essence of village is captured beautifully by cinematographer Shankar Raman.
Off the cast Raghivr yadav has again established his mettle, Malakia shenoy and other person enacting journalist Deepak has added flavour to the film. Nattha’s irritating wife and ailing mother deserve special mention and have acted as per the script, but the meat of the film goes to debutant Omkar das thakur aka Nattha, who has charmed the audience with his spontaneous performance. Naseeruddin shah, one of my favourite actors has excelled in a cameo once again.
Last but not the least, music is another point gone in favour of movie. Indian Ocean has delivered beautiful rustic songs “Desh mera rangrez...” and “Chola maati ka”, which can be heard on the merit of its music only. "Sakhi saiyaan.." in soulful voice of Raghuvir yadav is as good as a folk song could be.
Over all Peepli live is a clinical film which executes its satire subtly and ends silently.
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