Coming-of-age is a genre filmmakers have explored extensively. While the concept changes, so does the messages. The newly-released film “All India Rank” is a new addition to it. The film is the directorial debut of Varun Grover, a well-known writer whose work I have great respect for.
The story takes place in 1997 and concerns Vivek (Bodhisattva Sharma), a 17-year-old who is not aware of his own dreams. Vivek has consistently been the top student at his school, and according to his father RK Singh (Shashi Bhushan), he was aware that Vivek would attend IIT (Prestigious Engineering Institute). His mother Manju (Geeta Agrawal) is not a part of this decision-making process. While the mother’s high cholesterol prevents her from going berserk with sweets, the father struggles to control his smoking urges. Vivek’s life is the only thing they are interested in controlling, which, according to Vivek, is his destiny. He sets off from his protected house in Lucknow to Kota, which is famous for its proficiency in IIT training. His journey begins to be shaped in multiple and colorful ways from this point forward.
Varun Grover’s Sharp Debut
The film demonstrates how Vivek struggles with academics, life’s intricacies, and family dynamics with great depth of emotion. The essence of a young dreamer who navigated through the obstacles of a new world, where ambitious minds came together to prepare for a looming exam, has been captured in this encapsulated piece. Children in Indian households are often forced to conform to their parents’ dreams and demands, and their unfulfilled aspirations are a common occurrence. The conversation has gone in fascinating directions by many films, which have changed the hearts of some viewers and become the cinema of change.
Varun Grover, well-known for his sharp writing, is making his first directorial venture by decoding a classic middle-class dream. Set in 1997, Grover’s concept is not limited to a teen coming-of-age, but also figuratively and literally addressing the coming-of-age of an entire country alongside him. The ear was beautifully crafted by him with smaller details that reflect the changes of time for the new generation and nostalgia for ’90s kids. The perfect description of curiosity running wild due to everything being new, including the brands they consume and the content they consume, is illustrated.
Samta Sudiksha in a scene from “All India Rank.” (Photo: Matchbox Shots).
In spite of everything, a boy is forced to study at IIT by his father. He advises him to study to the absolute limit of his human capacity. The father sees anything other than IIT as unintelligent. Varun demonstrates with skill how the father is more interested in massaging his ego than focusing on his sole son’s future. His goal is to show the world his degree as a gold medal and wander around his hometown. As a writer and director, he utilizes this trajectory and then embarks on the journey of bringing up his parents.
Atmosphere and Music to Match
Regarding his direction, he perfectly captures the atmosphere of the ’90s. Grover uses the past to its fullest by nostalgically reminiscing about the time it was set in. His attention to detail is impeccable. The simplicity and effectiveness of his approach to this story make it feel good to watch something light. His story becomes a three-dimensional story because he marinates it so well. Although the part is a young boy’s journal entry, the surroundings are well researched and translated on screen, making it effective.
Grover’s ability to elicit performances from the cast is remarkable. As a writer and director, he creates a balanced story that isn’t too over the top or melodramatic. While it may be predictable how the story will end eventually, the story is refreshing, nostalgic, and relatable to many ages. The soundtrack matches Grovers’s intentions. It’s no surprise that Mayukh-Mainak’s music is top-notch, and it’s one of the most impressive opening credits of the year. India Rank’s songs are both original and meticulously written.
A Nice, Light-hearted Film
Bodhisattva Sharma in a scene from “All India Rank.” (Photo: Matchbox Shots).
Bodhisattva Sharma’s performance in this lead role was effortless and confident, perfectly capturing the character’s vibe. His character’s cluelessness is brought out with his plain face and confused gaze. He is deserving of recognition for his performance. However, the movie’s highlights are Geeta Agrawal Sharma and Shashi Bhushan, who both play their roles well. Their performance was remarkable. In a role that was quite limited, Sheeba Chaddha’s performance was impressive.
“All India Rank” is uncomplicated and affectionate without being overly dramatic. The story revolves around ordinary people coping with challenges and times in a subdued way. In general, the story feels like a refreshing breath of air. Varun Grover’s debut exhibits a heart that is tender and heartwarming in its entirety. The objective is straightforward. Find the magical equation where the heart and mind are aligned. Until then, venture into exploration. The film is filled with nostalgia and simplicity that is fading away in today’s time. If you are looking for a light-hearted movie, this is a good one to watch.
“All India Rank” is currently showing in theaters in India.
