Bollywood isn't archaic any more. The tinsel town is forging ahead too fast. How else the film industry could conceive the idea of the children feeling uneasy at the hands of their dear seniors though unintentionally. Mithum Chakravorty in 'Chal Chalein' directed by a young and dreamy director Ujjawal Singh brings out the difficulties faced by today's kids from their parents who love them more than themselves though. However, the seniors aren't aware of it. The director feels that this leads to the Gen Now turning into robots who are compelled to join the otherwise very coveted professional training as engineers and doctors through the country's most prestigious IITs and medical institutions. The director has tried to depict a broad picture via his film. He has done it by giving discourses and even taking the matter to the court. Wonder if any such event has come to light in real life. Moreover, the director knocks at the doors of the court through the latest discovery though often misused these days by resorting to PIL (public interest litigation).
Now, the moot question is if the movie would succeed in attracting the audience, especially the kids for whom the movie is made. Children, as we know, are more interested in suspense, pop music and Hollywood like imaginary and full of adventure movies. They will feel bored sitting in this over two-hour show where there is no scope for satisfying their appetite. Describing 'Chal Chalein', Mithunda raises the problem of students committing suicides for not doing well in competitive exams. Ninety per cent marks aren't enough to get a college of one's choice. So, he finds the parents at fault for using their kids to realize their unfulfilled dreams! In a first of its kind, he files a case in the movie on behalf of children against their parents. The children, according to him, plead that they have full respect and love for their parents but somehow they deem parents responsible for creating undue pressure on them. The actor shares their views and cites his own case. His father wanted him to be an engineer while the actor wanted to be in the Navy but the circumstances brought him to Mumbai in films.
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Again, howsoever they may like the subject they are averse to watching the scenes pertaining to the PIL being heard in the courtroom and the arguments in the court. Thus, the movie loses its shine among its targeted audience. Yes, we are here talking about the second half of the movie as the first part is all right as it concerns them. In the second half, the drama turns to the courtroom where uncle and lawyer Mithun Chakraborty drags the issue to the court via a PIL. Though the children in this case are a bit seniors studying in St. Joseph's of Allahabad, an elite city. What goes on is the usual real stuff happening in most families today. In schools the children face boring tuitions in their classrooms and the aggressive parents at home who want to instruct them what to pursue and what not , irrespective of the children's aptitude. While the teachers punish them in schools the parents harass at homes, and for what that they haven't been in the toppers' category. As a result, one who might have emerged a writer is asked to pursue subjects like physics and maths, which are too difficult for the child to comprehend.
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Hence the hard pressed children in the movie take shelter under uncle and lawyer Sanjay who is brilliantly played by none other than ace actor Mithun Chakraborty. They urge uncle to plead for them. As said earlier, the uncle does what a justice seeker tries in Indian courts. He files a PIL against the parents! Well never heard of so far. Maybe the children do it in near future. This is another good opportunity for lawyers afflicted by the economic slowdown. Being an unusual matter, the news hits headlines in newspapers. Consequently, there is the birth of a rebellion taking place among children against their beloved parents all through the length and breadth of the country. Who knows we might witness it in real life too sooner than later.
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Since the movie is more or less meant for children, its audience might be limited, but it could invite parents to watch it and learn a lesson or two. The director has done very well in dealing with such a new theme, and Mithun Chakravorty has again proved his superb acting. As there are three Hindi releases this Friday, this small budget movie couldn't find many theaters for exhibition. Rati Agnihotri has also fared very well. Ujjawal Singh is stated to have completed its shooting within 60 days in and around Mumbai, mostly in Filmcity, Gateway of India and Juhu. Incidentally, our Parliament is now committed to providing school education free to all. So, the movie is more relevant for the coming times.
