Introduction
In the world of film review writing, where every movie is a unique story waiting to be explored, “Guthlee Ladoo” stands out as a compelling narrative that explores the journey from oppression to aspiration. This Bollywood film, directed by Ishrat R Khan and co-written by Srinivas Abrol and Ganesh Pandit, delivers a poignant message on the Right to Education and the importance of being aware of the rights of all citizens. In this movie review, we delve into the essence of “Guthlee Ladoo” and its impact on the audience.
Rating: 3.0/5
Synopsis:
“Guthlee Ladoo” narrates the tale of a poor sweeper’s son, Guthlee, portrayed brilliantly by Dhanay Seth. His burning desire to attend school clashes with the societal constraints of his lower caste, but a compassionate yet powerless high-caste headmaster forms an unspoken bond with him. The film revolves around the question: Can they overcome these barriers and make Guthlee’s dreams come true?
The Story Unfolds:
The story begins in a rustic village where Guthlee’s pursuit of education sees him chasing a van selling jamun seed (guthlee) powder to learn how to write his name. This determined young boy secretly attends school, standing by the classroom window due to his lower caste status. Director Ishrat R Khan and the co-writers deftly depict the struggles of the oppressed class through Guthlee, his close friend Ladoo (Heet Sharma), and their parents.
Guthlee’s journey to realize his dream of attending school is filled with stark realities and society’s rampant hypocrisy. The film showcases instances where an upper-caste woman berates Guthlee’s father, Mangru (Subrat Datta), for touching her child’s bicycle but has no qualms about accepting money from him. It also highlights a school teacher who teaches patriotic songs to the class but chases young Guthlee away. However, at times, the narrative tends to overexplain and dwell on the same ironies excessively.
Visual Excellence:
Anil Akki’s cinematography deserves praise, particularly for its authentic portrayal of the village. The film’s world is brought to life, showcasing the surroundings, the harsh and unsanitary working conditions, and the deplorable treatment of the people living there.
Intriguing Characterization:
The film excels in character development, whether it’s portraying the privileged or the underprivileged. Sanjay Mishra delivers a nuanced performance as the headmaster caught between societal constraints and the desire to do right by the oppressed. Subrat Datta and Kalyanee Mulay, as Guthlee’s parents, make the viewers empathize with their characters. Kanchan Pagare as Ladoo’s father and Arif Shahdoli as the cunning politician and the school’s owner Chaube also leave a lasting impression. The two child actors, Dhanay Seth and Heet Sharma, exhibit brilliance in portraying the two ends of the social spectrum, and their expressions are truly heart-wrenching.
A Tale of Reality and Hope:
While the narrative skillfully navigates between the realms of reality and hope, the second half of the film tends to lose its momentum and drags in several places. “Guthlee Ladoo” is not without its flaws, but it effectively conveys the message of the Right to Education and the need to understand the rights and laws that apply to all citizens. The story is bittersweet and unsettling but also serves as a beacon of light in promoting equity and empathy.
In conclusion, “Guthlee Ladoo” is a movie that may not attain the highest rating, but it undoubtedly leaves a lasting impact on its audience. It’s a story of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable human spirit, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema.