Review of Peepli Live (2010) by Smarojit C — 02 Jan 2011

Dark comedies are the most underutilized genre in India, even among the string of young, independent filmmakers. So it comes as a delight when you have a scathing comedy about two burning issues - farmer suicides and media irregularities, and to say that debutante director Anusha Rizvi has done justice to it would be an understatement.

"Peepli Live" is the kind of film that delves into the underbelly of rural India without the slightest inhibitions and gives a critique (without ever being preachy or judgmental) about the pathetic plight and ignorance among the uneducated population of India. It also forms a parallel storyline about the decline in the sophistication of the media as a tool to spread awareness.

The screenplay is dark, tippy, funny and hugely engaging; the editing is tight and edgy and the direction is surprisingly methodical, one that is expected from a prolific filmmaker, let alone a first timer.

Hats off to Aamir Khan for producing this gem and bringing value to a project that otherwise wouldn't have seen half the hype that it garnered.