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"K" Rating: 3/5
Watch: DVD
Face it - watching a movie promo of unseen actors,backdrop of a rural village, with a story touching upon the serious issue of farmer suicide may not particularly spark your interest in watching it - add in "Aamir Khan Production" and volah! you have an audience. Peepli[Live] is a tragi-comedy [tragic comedy]. It sheds light on a serious issue in a satirical manner. The movie does not offer a solution but definitely makes one think on how demoralized and convoluted we have become as a society. It does offer good comic timing. Stick out the first few minutes of the rough rural feel and you'll find yourself absorbed in the story, not even once missing the big stars.
The story revolves around a poor farmer Natha(Manikpuri) who is unable to repay an agricultural loan. Natha decides to commit suicide when he learns that the government is doling out Rupees 1 Lakh to dead farmers as compensation. As his brother edges him on, he and his village Peepli become the center of a Media and Political circus. Where everyone uses Natha's impending suicide as a vehicle for their own personal gains.The village of "Peepli" gets "[Live]" coverage News Channels as the nation watches, debates and awaits Natha to perform the deed. The movie reminds one of Naseeruddin Shah starer 1988's "Hero Hera Lal". Manikpuri as Natha and Yadav as his brother are commendable in the movie.The music of the film is close to being folk, with a very earthy and rustic feel.
Peepli [Live] tends to be rough around its edges in its treatment. The language is bucolic and tends to be a challenge for the average urban audience. This is where the subtitles provided in the international release will help. Some scenes in the movie are repugnant and cross the line from being humorous to just boorish.One scene in particular bears resemblence to Slumdog Millionaire in its Eik factor.
All in all, I would advice waiting for the DVD to come out. It has an interesting story to tell. Peeli[Live] is definitely for the masses and does not cater much to the classes.
