Author: Ashish Tiwari9 hours ago
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The biggest strength of cinema is that it can raise important questions of the society along with entertainment. The India Story also brings to the screen very serious topics like pesticides, adulterated food and increasing cancer. The subject is one which is related to every family and on which a strong film could have been made.
But alas, the intentions here are big and the film proves to be very small. A weak script, scattered screenplay, lackluster courtroom drama and excessive melodrama combine to make this film an average experience. The length of this film is 2 hours 20 minutes. Dainik Bhaskar has given this film a 2 out of 5 star rating.
How is the story of the film?
The story revolves around former army officer Major Yogesh Patil (Shreyas Talpade), whose younger daughter Pari (Trisha Sharda) leaves the world due to cancer. During investigation, Yogesh learns that the reason behind his daughter’s illness are poisonous pesticides present in fruits, vegetables, milk and other food items. After this, he puts the government, pesticide companies and farmers who use excessive chemicals in the dock in the court.
Lawyer Archana (Kajal Aggarwal) supports him in this legal battle. The hearing begins in the court and this is where the film should have taken off. But the entire debate is written so weakly that the matter never becomes exciting. The opposition lawyer (Manish Wadhwa) has also been limited to only formal presence. There is no vigorous cross-examination, no shocking evidence comes to light, and no scene that can garner applause from the audience. Till the end the film keeps repeating only one thing.
How is the acting of the star cast?
Shreyas Talpade plays his character with complete sincerity. The pain of the father who lost his daughter is clearly visible on his face, but weak writing does not allow his acting to reach heights.
Kajal Aggarwal’s acting is fine, but her character in the court does not leave any impact. Despite being a lawyer in such a big case, she does not have any scene that remains memorable.
Child artiste Trisha Sharda is the strongest link of the film. She touches the heart as a child battling illness. Murali Sharma makes an impact in his small role, while a strong actor like Manish Wadhwa was not fully utilized.
Direction and technical aspects
Director Chetan DK has a good intention, but the method of making the film is very ordinary. The screenplay is scattered and many scenes serve only to provide information rather than taking the story forward.
The biggest shortcoming is visible in the courtroom drama. Where there should have been sharp debates, strong arguments and legal maneuvers, everything appears very easy and flat. Important aspects like government, media and big companies have also been shown in a superficial manner.
The first half feels like a documentary, while the second half becomes overly sentimental. The editing is also loose and the film loses its pace at many places.
The camera work and production design are mediocre. Technically, there is nothing in the film that can make the big screen experience special.
How is the music of the film?
The music is a complete disappointment. None of the songs are memorable and even the background music does not heighten the emotions of the film.
Final Verdict: To watch or not?
The India Story is an example of the fact that a good subject alone does not make a film good. When the script is weak, the courtroom drama is lifeless and the direction is lackluster, then even the most important issue loses its impact.
If your aim is only to know about the harm of pesticides, then the film definitely provides information. But if you go in expecting an impactful courtroom drama and a strong cinematic experience, this film will be disappointed.
