Pareeksha: The Final Test (Movie Review)

Movies should generally be thought of as a recreational tool that uplift your mood. It feels wonderfully relaxing to sit back and be transported to another world for a couple of hours. But there're some terrific movies that carry a thoughtful message for some sort of social reform. One such movie is 'Pareeksha: The Final Test' that I was eagerly waiting for after watching its teaser trailer a few days ago.

Now that I've watched the movie being streamed on ZEE5 with my family, I thought of sharing my opinion on how I liked/disliked it- 

Image Source: ZEE5.com
 

Cast:
The film boasts of a stellar cast, Adil Hussain as rickshaw-puller Buchi, Priyanka Bose as Buchi's wife Radhika, Shubham Jha as their genius son Bulbul and Sanjay Suri as generous SP Kailash Anand.
The taut script uses all its characters to depict different kinds of people that make our society.

Storyline:
Pareeksha revolves around the life of a rickshaw puller Buchi, who is determined to get his only son admitted to a private school, assuming English education to be the sole escape from poverty for his family. The crisp melodrama articulates how the mother works overtime in utensils factory and the father resorts to petty thefts in order to meet school’s exorbitant demands. The story also exposes the people who have commercialised education and play with emotions of poor.

My Review:
The film opens with a harmonious setting with soft audio-video in the background giving us a peek into contemporary Jharkhand.
With polished actor Adil Hussain as lead, you might think that other actors will be overshadowed, but I could especially relate to compelling moments of film with Priyanka being an emotionally stronger parent in the family.
Sanjay Suri, as expected, won accolades for convincingly portraying a man in uniform graced with the spirit of a change agent who supports the young learner.

Image Source: ZEE5.com

The movie touches upon various social issues while breaking the stereotypes around education system and the politics involved in this periphery. The well-told storyline worked so well to persuade me that I was literally transported inside it. All thanks to sharp-toothed script from writer/director Prakash Jha that it was almost impossible to dislike the objective stance that the movie delivers. For many, it might be a perfect cinematic salve to soothe their wounds with a range of intense emotions. 

 
With hard hitting facts, the movie rightly showcases how vulnerable the parents can be, especially the ones who don't give up on their dreams and reiterate to themselves- "Mushkilein Kitni bhi ho, hum bhi apne #SapneSachKarenge". I must say this attempt by Prakash Jha will certainly evoke your empathy and sentimentality for the marginalised section of our society.

Overall, this thought provoking movie highlights the universal message that the access to education is not a privilege bestowed by anyone, it is a legal right of everyone.
Do watch Pareeksha and other popular family movies on ZEE5 with your family!

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Entertainment Becomes Even More Personalized With ZEE5 Club Pack

Since the day, the lockdown measures have been enforced nationwide due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has brought about a high surge in TV watching for most households. While theatres, cinemas, parks and museums in the town faced closure for months, most people have found solace in watching entertaining content 'streaming over the internet' into the comfort of their homes. 

Even in my family, Online TV has captured more of screen-viewing time because each of the family members craves for a personalized dose of entertainment as per his/her liking through fiction, drama, romance, mythological, historic pieces, crime thrillers and so on. To meet everybody's demand of personalized content, I thought of giving ZEE5 Club Pack a try.

Image Source: ZEE5.com

ZEE5 Club Pack is the latest offering by India's most loved OTT platform ZEE5 that gives you an exclusive access to bespoke ZEE5 Originals, ALT Balaji shows, Zindagi shows, 1000+ Bollywood blockbusters, 90+ Live TV channels and Kids’ content. 

An additional perk for the ZEE5 Club user is that they get to see their favourite content before it is even aired on TV. Woah! What a superior feeling you get! 

One of critical elements in streamed content is excellent user experience that enables them watch their preferred content without having to halt for promotional advertisements. Thanks to ZEE5 Club Pack membership that you can stream premium shows on your devices without advertisements breaks. Well! that truly takes quality entertainment to next level. 

Another digital media trends emerging in recent times is the broader accessibility of video content to cross-devices. And the Club Pack offers its subscribers an enhanced access for cross-device viewing with two screens at a time anywhere, anytime. What makes the platform even better is its availability of diverse content in regional languages. You would find best bundle of movies in as many as 12 languages including English, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya, Bhojpuri, Gujarati and Punjabi. On the whole, there is an overwhelming array of content in this subscription. And you get all this without burning a hole into your pocket. With the Club membership priced at just Rs. 365/- annually, you enjoy a large slice of premium content at very nominal payment of Re. 1 per day. ZEE5 Club members can also upgrade to the Premium plan by paying the difference amount at any point of time.

Image Source: ZEE5.com

ZEE5 offerings are compatible across platforms and devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets etc. You may access its content via web browser or by downloading their app. So wait no more, get the exclusive Club membership on ZEE5 and spice up your streaming experience.

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Pareeksha is The Final Test for A Bright Future

Being associated with the noble profession of educator, I find great pleasure in watching spectacular movies about education for their emotional connect. Because such movies not just portray the fact that 'Education' can change the world, but inspire one to be determined on his set educational path. 

This morning, while I was checking on some information about the New Education Policy recently introduced in India, a teaser trailer titled 'Pareeksha' popped up in my search. The title Pareeksha instantly caught my attention for obvious reasons and it aroused my curiosity to another level when I realized that it's a ZEE5 original film written, produced and directed by none other than national award-winning filmmaker Mr. Prakash Jha. Because the master storyteller is well-known for crafting socially-relevant films such as Raajneeti, Apaharan, Gangaajal, Mrityudand and Damul. I exclusively remember admiring Aarakshan, an impactful film by Jha based on Indian education system. Now I'm all the way excited for his critical take on the education system through Pareeksha: The Final Test.

Image Source: ZEE5.com

The movie, to be digitally premiered this week on OTT platform ZEE5, is inspired from real-life events of SP Abhaynandan. The storyline revolves around difficulties and hardships which the poor face in order to achieve their dreams. This heart-wrenching tale aptly narrates how a rickshaw puller named Buchchi (played by Adil Hussain) dreams of giving his son a good education and goes lengths to make his dream a reality despite his financial restrictions. His dream takes him on a disastrous path, which could shatter all that he holds dear. It literally pinches your heart to witness what talented but underprivileged youth in economically depressed family backgrounds have to go through in order to attain basic facilities like a decent education. The film literally makes a sharp comment on our education system that has been monopolized by the rich and remains inaccessible to the masses.

Image Source: ZEE5.com

Pareeksha features Priyanka Bose, Sanjay Suri and child actor Shubham Jha in lead roles besides Adil Hussain, all of whom have beautifully donned their roles. 

The subject matter of the film is genuinely dear to many of us and is the need of the hour as the quality of education is one of the major determinant factors to decide the fate of future generations of our country. The film carries forward an important message of 'hope' across to the audiences that talent can bloom if provided with adequate opportunity and dreams do come true with determination & willpower. Such films encourage my faith that the role of education in creating a fairer and more equal society is undeniable. Because those who strive for literacy today, wahi kal apne #SapneSachKarenge and an equal access to education will eliminate discrimination in society.

Trinayani – Meet the Bengali Talent

With vast cultural diversity in India, we are frequently exposed to different sets of beliefs and values. Being culturally responsive, I genuinely love exploring all cultures and languages, but my love for Bengali culture extends beyond curiosity. Bengali literature, music, cinema, food and their rituals; I'm hooked to the heritage that they offer.

I developed a taste for Bengali cinema due to its aesthetics and sweet accent, after watching a few shows at my Bengali colleague's place long ago. We would spend weekends watching those DVDs and discuss at length about performances, sets, dialogue delivery and obviously beautiful traditional Bengali attire.

During my recent stay-at-home during lockdown, I gave my internet connection a spin and subscribed to ZEE5 for its plethora of regional shows and movies.

My current watchlist includes a popular Bengali drama Trinayani, whose lead actress Shruti Das caught my attention when I glanced at its promo poster. After feasting my eyes on the show for a few days and being impressed by the refined performance of the characters, I literally got inquisitive to know more about Nayan and Dipu, the lead cast of the show.

Image Source: ZEE5

Nayan, played by Shruti Das in Trinayani, has been a theatre person and a passionate dancer. The actress hails from Katwa, East Burdwan. Shruti is pursuing a course in creative dancing and loves training other students whenever she gets some time off her packed schedule. That's really generous of her! 👏 

I was awestruck to know that Shruti is also a wonderful cook and enjoys experimenting with interesting new dishes. Not believing my words? Check out her Instagram handle @actor_shruti. Her colourful feed lists some yummy delicacies like prawn butter masala, malpua, coffee caramel pudding and much more. I must say, this lady is the powerhouse of talent. With her impressive acting in her debut show Trinayani, Shruti has sealed the lips of those who once criticised her appearance and skin tone. Long way to go, Shruti!

Image Source: ZEE5

The male lead of the show Dipu starring Gourab Roy Chowdhury is also an equally chaming personality and a talented actor. Gourab is a well-known Bengali actor who is entertaining the audience with her previous projects like ‘Tomaye Amaye Mile’ or ‘Shubho Drishti’ in the past. The dashing actor, who hails from Maheshtala, South 24 Parganas, has evidently made a place for himself in bengali cinema with his varied portrayals on screen. He believes in playing beyond comfort zone by experimenting with his roles and looks as as actor. Do check out his stunning poses on his Instagram feed on @gourab_official 

Gourab's personality has also got some hidden talents other than acting. He is fond of penning down his thoughts in the form of poem and loves playing flute to make his mundane days full of joy. Despite no formal training in flute playing, the actor is learning through online videos. That's what we call 'real passion'.

Young talent like Shruti and Gourab truly inspire upcoming generation to go beyond their limitations. Bengali cinema has changed, grown and evolved in past years with its accomplished actors and content-driven films/shows. Hoping lots more of #EntertainmentUnlocked in coming times.

Share The Load & Multiply Love At Your Sweet Home

Amidst this grim time, the moments spent with family are priceless. Being locked down in homes for months now, families are coming closer. It’s particularly true for people like me who worked long hours earlier... 

Even in a time of great fear like this, I had a secret pleasure of finally having to spend time with my family, particularly with my busy husband. It sometimes sound so strange that such joy could co-exist with such a sad backdrop. The long-held wishes that I had for my family and which seemed to be fantasies had started coming to life. 🤩 For the first time, it wasn’t just the women like me staying at home, but also the men, the “bread winner” of the families, whose socially pronounced domain had always been the world outside.

For the first few weeks, I was certainly super-charged to stretch my limits to please my family in every possible manner. Regularly dining together, indulging in home makeover, doing morning yoga with kids, experimenting with never tested recipes, doing all sort of recreational activities - the list of fun family moments seemed never ending. 

But after a while, I found myself sunk neck deep in work bearing the brunt of office work deadlines, childcare responsibilities and bulk of household chores compounded together. I noticed my stress levels getting increased when I was unhappy about unfinished chores.

Despite wanting a break from this exhausting new 'normal' setup so desperately, I was hesistant to seek help from my husband and somehow my stress went unnoticed by him until one fine day when he watched this awe-inspiring advert by Ariel India on TV.

The impact of the the advert was so instantaneous that my husband admitted to me, "No chores are unpleasant, especially when it comes to the 'men' in the house. No matter who earns more or who spends longer hours at the office space; now we will equally and fairly take responsibility for dusting, laundry, cooking, bed making,and even toilet cleaning in our household." 

Trust me, a small help offered by my husband exceptionally improved overall positivity in the house. 🏡 I felt myself truly fortunate when my husband and my son fondly came forward for helping n supporting me to #ShareTheLaundry and #ShareTheLoad. 😇

This practice of chore-splitting has strengthened bonding among all my family members. Actually, we're genuinely committed to continue being a support to each other at home even after this #lockdown phase is over. Because for the modern truefit family like ours, 'housework gender gap' is a thing of past. 

It's a bliss to be with a man who advocates the fact that sharing the load is not a threat to his masculinity rather a sincere effort to reinforce gender equality at home. 

Finally, I would say a cultural shift in the expectations of society is crucial at individual level to spur more equal practices in the home. Let's #ShareChoresMultiplyLove with a pledge to uproot deeply protected gender disproportion. 😇 

I will #ShareTheLoad and help in household chores in association with Ariel India and BlogAdda

Incredible Watchlist for Kannada Cine Buffs

Indian cinema content has always been entertaining and exemplary. Most Indians love watching movies, no matter what the genre is. While Hindi movies have been immensely popular in India since forever, the regional cinema is the new 'cool' in Indian cinema. From the fringes, regional films are moving to the mainstream. Its appreciable that content-driven regional films are no longer isolated by language.

I've been receiving a number of requests from my readers to list some regional movies that could be on their watchlist and could entertain them during this quarantine period. So I decided to reiterate the popularity of OTT platform ZEE5 where an exhaustive list of free movies is being streamed.

Here is a curation of some feel-good Free Kannada movies to help lift your spirits-

Londonalli Lambodara is a light screenplay with a touch of romance that presents quite a realistic character of a lazy guy who blindly trusts his virtual 'guruji' prediction of a luxurious life in London and a wedding with a ‘white girl’ in London. The acting skills of lead actors Sampath Raj and Shruti Prakash are commendable. The two melody songs "Ee Manasu" and "Ee Parinama" shot in exotic locales in London are pleasing to the eyes and ears. Watch this movie to find out how life unfolds for this staunch believer in astrology. 

Image Source: ZEE5

For the fans of killer thrillers, Bhinna, an engaging mystery/horror is a must-watch. Bhinna is a ZEE5 Kannada Original movie televising sensitive portrayal of persons with mental illnesses. The lead actress Paayal Radhakrishna’s performance is the highlight of the film who played an aspiring actress obsessed with method acting. The plot beautifully reveals how the actress gets trapped by her hallucinations and life takes an unimagined turn for her. The background music sets the mood for this psychological thriller. An excellent movie all in all.

Image Source: ZEE5

Looking for a riot of laughter? Johnny Johnny Yes Papa is your bet. JJYP is a comedy entertainer which is the sequel to Johnny Mera Naam Preethi Mera Kaam. The plot is all about a happy go lucky guy Johnny trying to impress upon his love interest while convincing her to change her mind about settling in the US. The lead actress Rachita Ram’s mesmerizing beauty would impress the younger lot of audience with her utter cuteness. The storyline might be predictable but the jokes would bring many LOL moments especially when watching with buddies. The neat cinematography is worth an applaud too. 

Image Source: ZEE5

My Autograph, a Kannada drama based movie, is a subtle attempt to recreate a common man's real life into reel life. The close-to-life scenes reach your heart and the character played by Sudeep makes you feel a strong connect to the storyline. The photography is quite humble yet spectacular. I personally loved that fact that the plot has been kept so unfeigned without any exaggeration The film genuinely sustains audience's interest till the last frame. Such films truly stand out from the crowd. 

Image Source: ZEE5

So hey cine buffs, watch out and delight yourselves with these Kannada movies until I bring on some more recommendations for you soon.

Users can access the entire ZEE5 content library on 5 screens simultaneously. Get ZEE5 subscription today and enjoy binge-watching.