“Peepli Live” Another Bollywood Hit Flick!

An ‘Amir Khan’ production ‘Peepli Live’ hits the cinemas with high expectations. Thus the movie caters to a larger cinema and proves to be one of the masterpieces of the Indian cinema. It is based on the subject matter of farmers suicides witnessed in India, in the last few years, due intolerable droughts and low levels of income.

The story revolves around “Natha” a poor farmer from ‘Peepli’ village in the heart of rural India is about to lose his plot of land due to an unpaid government loan. A quick fix to the problem is the very same government's program that aids the families of obliged farmers who have committed suicide. Therefore as a means of survival Natha can choose to die also. His brother (Bhudiya) is happy to push him towards this, but Natha is reluctant. The scenario of the village, where local elections are about to take place and what might have been another unseen event turns into a big ‘issue’ with everyone wanting a piece of action from it. The question on every one's lips "Will he or Won't he?" As the passion rises what will be the fate of Natha becomes the new gossip in the village, without caring how he really feels. In addition ‘Peepli Live’ highlights how electronic media can raise a small matter to the extreme and give chance to create scope of games in different level. But the main subject is eventually left uncared. However I must say that the movie has both positive and negative vibes to it. It provides us with utmost seriousness, along with much comedy. I felt that the movie is made on a serious issue, but it fails to provide much of the audience with a substantial reasoning of the core question. ‘Peepli Live’ does touch upon the troubles of poor farmers, but only in a very fine and limited manner. Besides highlighting the dilemma of poor farmers, it also focuses on people who exploit to the situation for their benefit, starting from the politicians to the bureaucrats, from television reporters to the local people.

I must say that ‘Peepli Live’ entertains, moves and most important of all, sends a message to everyone. I enjoyed watching it. For many of us this concept may not be new and it may be boring, but it depicts the barren reality about farmers in India. Finally I would like to say that this movie should be watched as it tells us the current situation of the rural societies, how the politicians play with hearts of the poor people and especially the role of the manipulative media today. This tragic plus comedy satire is not to be missed.