The New Classmate

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)

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

Films with a social message are usually loud and boring. Nil Battey Sannata is a glorious exception. It is a very engaging film on girls' education.

Chanda Sahay has big dreams for her daughter Apu and toils daily as a housemaid and does odd jobs in various sweat shops. On the other hand, Apu who is in class 10 is least interested in school and keeps repeating that her ambition is to become a Bai like her mother. Mother and daughter constantly bicker over this. Chanda's employer, the kind and wise Dr Deewan (Ratna Phatak Shah), comes up with an artful plan and gets Chanda admitted to the same class as Apu. This leads to even more friction and a bit of competition between mother and daughter. Their weakness is maths and a boy, suitably looking nerdy in thick glasses, helps them get over their fear with some astonishing mnemonics.

There are plenty of emotion charged scenes, and if you find your eyes getting wet, it is not because the film is manipulative but because of brilliant scripting and endearing performances. Swara Bhaskar as Chanda and Riya Shukla as Apu are both excellent. Pankaj Tripathi's comically stern principal is a splendid cameo.

The title of the film literally means zero divided by zero and is a local idiom for an idiot. There are a couple of irritants, which I don't want to pick on in what is essentially a very heartwarming and feel-good film. I would recommend that you take along your domestic helps to watch it.

This film coming from a too much commercialized Bollywood is a pleasant surprise. Well crafted script and good direction and excellent performance from the lead actress makes it a memorable movie.

It portrays beautifully the dreams of a widow mother about her only daughter and her fight using limited capabilities to achieve the same.

Swara bhasker as mother of a teenager did an excellent job and it is hard to believe that it is her first movie in a lead role.

Director has also succeeded in getting the natural performance from theyoung artist's. performance of supporting cast is also good especiallythe head master.

With this film Director Ashwini Iyer tripathi can pull a chair and sitin the front row of current Bollywood directors.

This film has got a message which is important for north Indian villages. For sure this film will bring tears at least once while watching it.

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.