egress63 In Bollywood, there is a term for movies that exaggerate emotions and situations to the point that the depictions of the characters, their dialogues, their actions etc. become detached from reality and enter the realm of fantasy. Such movies are called 'filmy'. In 'filmy' movies, viewers are asked to dispel their notions of rationality and realism and are expected to simply allow themselves to be taken into a fantastical journey by the writer/director. Any questioning of why a character would be so nice (or so evil) is impertinent since the viewer is expected to know that the movie is pure fantasy.This is one such 'filmy' movie. It is, as said by a reviewer below, a well-made and sweet movie. However, given the theme that it presents (the importance of education necessary for uplifting people from poverty), the approach taken by the director to mix fantasy with the grim reality (i.e. the hardships faced by poor parents for educating their children), the movie, it's characters and it's dialgoue felt not just out-of-place but shallow. For instance, in the real India - a maid (or a domestic servant) would never be able to afford to make chinese food at home. No 15 year old child would ever make a statement to his classmate: "Your parents are not asserting their dreams on you by asking you to study. For you are their dream." The entire movie is full of such cliched dialogue, set-ups and characters that made me feel that I was watching Cinderella (or some other fairy tale) when I should have been watching something as grim as The Game of Thrones. Thus, instead of being a hard-hitting realistic take on an important social issue, the movie is sugar coated fluff.So, yes this is a well-made and sweet movie. It may be even worth your 100 minutes. But in the end, it's a cute teddy bear with little relation to reality. As long as you keep these expectations, thumbs up. Else, two thumbs down.

rajrad 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

Atul Gupta (atulguptamurdoch) Excellent story by Ashwiny.I would like congratulate he for writing and directing an excellent film. The story revolves around a 10th class student- Appu who has no dreams in life; whereas her mother has dreams for her. Appu is ignorant and thinks she has no right to dream because of poverty.This film depicts that no dream is small and to follow your own dream as your dream will lead you to your path.This story is well played and acting by leads are awesome. The pace of the movie does not bore you and the each character s well written and has a role to play.Bollywood needs movies like this.

Ankit Bhatnagar If you want to experience the magic of amazing scriptwriting combined with great acting and direction, this is the ticket to that wonderland. Right from the start, the cinematography gels with the script. Although it slows down for plot development, but then picks up gracefully again. It's a wonderfully crafted journey that steals your eye control and certainly your heart.Producer Aanand Rai has marvelously mentored the debutant director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari. After his stint of great movies, here comes a masterpiece in his first production venture. Ashwiny has shown great efforts and I'll take nothing away from him. It's hard to see such a masterclass in a debutant. The way amalgamation of script and actors have been done is simply amazing.Rising from the supporting character roles, Swara Bhaskar grabbed this lead opportunity with open hands. She is very impressive and her body language is perfect all through. Little girl Riya Shukla steals the heart right from the start and continues to do so throughout.Overall, an amazing script amalgamated with wonderful acting and direction.