Nil Battey Sannata

Everyone has dreams which basically creates a purpose in life in order to achieve your dream. You need to believe in your dreams, cherish and protect them and make sure nobody takes it away from you. "Nil Battey Sannata", meaning 'knowing nothing', talks about dream a mother has for her child. The riveting drama was felicitated at Silk Road International Film Festival which is an equivalent to Oscar awards in China where Swara Bhaskar won the Best Actress Award. So, is "Nil Battey Sannata" worth your time and money ? Well, let us find out..

"Nil Battey Sannata" is a coming-of-age drama of Apu (Ria Shukla) who finally grows up to become a IPS officer after her mother Chanda (Swara Bhaskar) sacrifices and struggles in her journey of motherhood to make sure she lives her dream of giving Apu a bright future.

Directed by debutant Ashwini Iyer Tiwari, "Nil Battey Sannata" is a sparkling film in every context. Right from the beginning of the film, you will be completely engrossed into the beautiful tale of mother and her struggle to keep her dreams alive. Blended with sarcasm and light moments, the film is a powerful drama which will help you sail it through 2 hours without getting bored. Told in a subtle manner, it is the simplicity of narration which is the highlight of the film and you will cherish each and every frame. There are no glossy sets, colorful costumes over-the-tone melodrama yet the film is entertaining and will keep you glued throughout. The screenplay is pivotal defines each and every characters to the core. Couple of scenes do stand out in the first half. The first scene at the school where the students gets punished for violating the rules of the school, the scene where the Pankaj Tripathi is surprised after Ratna Pathaka convinces Swara Bhaskar to join as student and the scene at Collector's house between Swara Bhaskar and guards are hilarious. Hats off to Ashwini Iyer Tiwari for standing out in her first film itself. She definitely has the merits to go long with her impeccable direction.

On the flip side, the climax is predictable and could have made it more appealing but the enduring performances by the star cast will leave you satisfied in the end. Music, generally used in background, is tuneful and gels well with the mood of the film. Cinematography is spellbinding capturing the essence of Agra in its beautiful frame. Art direction is brilliant. Dialogues are punching.

Performance wise, Swara Bhaskar steals the thunder with her electrifying performance. The "Tanu Weds Manu" actor is just growing better with each film. Surprisingly, this is her first film as a lead and she has displayed matured acting. Watch for her. She definitely has long way to go. Pankaj Tripathi and Ratna Pathak are brilliant as usual. Ria Shukla does well in her role.

Overall, "Nil Battey Sannata" is a feel-good cinema with a strong and captivating message. Do yourself a favor – Watch "Nil Battey Sannata" to get inspired and motivated. Excellent 4/5

– Ketan Gupta

What worked: The movie is a tribute to the foundation of our dreams to make it come true; the mother. It's a very well written, acted and directed piece of cinema. Ashwiny and Swara made one of the very heartwarming stories of our time, a tribute to the parents who dream about our dream. Pankaj and Ratna added the needed warmth and flavor to this beautiful movie. Usually the philosophies recited in movies stand flat but this movie had every reasons to mean and make all the philosophical meaningful and relevant , thus making a solid impact when the movie ended. What did not work: Maybe some of the scenes were overly done, meaning the sentiments and emotional content were dramatic but I think we should also understand the theme of the movie. Final verdict: highly recommended

First stand and clap for what the movie tried to do this movie showed the value of dreams (which is the most democratic thing in this world cause everyone can dream and as it is said it is a crime to dream small,dream as big as you can and work for it and dreams do come true ) just brilliant if you see the mom wishing his daughter to have a dream it is the most real thing I have watched in a while. It is very easy to just accept your destiny but i takes real guts to dream beyond your limitations the collector shown in the movie is the person I want to become because the people who strive their way are the ones who know the value of their place and encourage everyone to really dream and change life of your own and people around you who are working so that you can surpass them as it said in this movie "Khud gaaadi chalyega to apne maa baap ko gaadi me kb ghumayega"

FAVOURITE CHARACTER :: Swara (brilliant acting) FAVOURITE MOMENT :: the last dialogues behind the Taj Mahal (signifying how different is life at the other side and they are fighting to get to the other side)

Generally light and nice this movie has received positive reviews. Amongst the few reasons to watch is the direction and acting talent at show by Swara Bhaskar and Ratna Pathak Shah. After a recent release its an extreme delight to see actors like Ratna Pathak Shah playing again. Exceptional talent here displayed by both actors. The movie has an usual story of a woman struggling seeking to educate her daughter earn a respectable life different from her own. Although there is no melodrama there are scenes in the movie good enough to stir your emotions in every possible way. The scenes such as the one where Chanda is taken to meet the school headmaster are one amongst the ones really appreciating.

A film that released in April 2016 back home. Even though I so wanted to view it, could not get the chance then. But then, as they say all good things come to those who wait. Managed to see it recently. Revolving around a mother-daughter duo, this simple story has taken on itself the job of answering so many questions that we face in our very own lives and seldom challenge ourselves to find the answers to.

Swara-BhaskarThe ever talented #SwaraBhaskar plays a single mother, uneducated and someone who moves earth and skies to make ends meet. A sweet girl called Riya Shukla plays her 10th Class daughter.

For every parent, their child is always the dearest to them. Then why does this very child become an irritant at times, with the passing years? Why do we lose our cool every now and then, with the same child we were swooning about? The film has tried to identify and portray this transition and maybe also provide answers to the viewers.

Personally, I feel there is a very thin line which defines the relation. And on crossing the same its no more a parent and child relationship. It becomes a relationship between two human beings. And along with that comes jealousy, competition, opposition and One-upmanship. Sounds bad right? Dwelve within to discover where you stand. No one comes clean, maybe not even me.

But the answer lies in sticking behind the line, on your side. And its only through your experience and wisdom, can you possibly identify it.

Its a great story of a mother challenging her own self to change her daughter's destiny. A journey of not just change, but also self-discovery. A journey of endless possibilities which are awaiting to be tapped by those who dare and those who try.

Amazing portrayal by all. Swara is a great performer, as always. Supported aptly by Riya, who herself has done a fantastic job. Very natural. And then we have the talented Ratna Pathak Shah and Pankaj Tripathi. The film packages various emotions from your childhood days (best recalled by those who did schooling in 1970s and 1980s). Found shades from my nostalgic past to enliven my thoughts and emotions.

Great job Ahwiny Iyer Tiwari! Loved the movie and will look forward to more gems from your side in the future.

View it. Get the DVD home and see how easily the message transcends across generations. •Rajesh Sharma •@rajrad