Film: PEEPLI [Live]
Rating: 3.5/5
Banners: UTV Motion Pictures, Aamir Khan Productions
Cast: Omkar Das Manikpuri, Raghuveer Yadav, Malaika Shenoy, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Shalini Vatsa, Farrukh Jaffer, Vishal O Sharma, Naseruddin Shah, Aamir Bashir, Sitaram Panchal, Yugal Kishore
Music: Indian Ocean, Brij Mandal
Cinematography: Shanker Raman
Director: Anusha Rizvi
Producers: Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao
Release Date: August 13, 2010
 
Story
A well knit tale, the story is set on the backdrop of a rural village Peepli in a deep heart of rural India. Here lives Natha (omkar) who is about to lose his land since he has not paid the loan. However, a ray of hope comes in the form of the government announcement about the aid and subsidies to the families of those farmers who commit suicide. Natha decides to commit suicide and much to the irony, his brother Budhia (raghuveer) encourages him. Not only Budhia, but the electronic media, the politicians, the locals and whoever can benefit out of Natha's death do their bit. What happens from there forms the rest of the story.
 
Presentation
The director has come up with a gripping thought and both the presentation and narrative were excellent. The dialogues were hard hitting yet witty, the script was flawless and sensible, the screenplay was adept. Background score was perfect while three songs are worth taking home. Cinematography captures the countryside in the best way possible. Costumes were apt and the art department was excellent. Editing was sharp. Omkar Das was the best choice for the role and he gives his heart and soul. Raghuveer Yadav was top rate, Malaika Shenoy was a revelation, Nawazuddin was natural, Farrukh Jaffer was fabulous, Shalini was superb, Naseeruddin Shah was a show stealer, the rest of them added value to the film with their effective performances.
 
Conclusion
Though the film deals with a rather serious and concerning issue, it has been portrayed with the right kind of satire and humor that one not only enjoys the film but also reflects upon few grim realities. While the first half is comparatively on a lighter mode, it is the second half that gets into the system of the audience and the climax is worth a watch. The film shines mainly due to some mind blowing performances and for giving a realistic view of today's country in a rather appealing manner though the subject is quite bitter. This has it all to make it big in the box office.