“All India Rank” is a story about the constant pressure of post-liberalization and the competitive spirit that a middle-class guy feels while preparing for IIT. But in the end, the moral serves what one needs is balance.
My driving motivation for watching this film was Varun Grover, who has written brilliant songs like “Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” and dialogues for “Masaan”. Being a fan of his lyrical writing and stand-up comedy, this was my perfect chance to witness his nuance of filmmaking as a debutant filmmaker.
Even though you may have seen this take on IIT prep earlier in “Kota Factory”, “All India Rank” tries its best to capture the essence of the heat that goes around the coaching centers in Kota. Other than the heat of preparation, what the film captures well is the quintessence of the ’90s.
In this article, I have mentioned those parts of the film that are heartwarming yet explain the nuances of the film. So let’s jump right into it.
Home-Made Ladoos
If you have ever lived away from home, you will understand the value of a box filled with homemade ladoos. Vivek, the protagonist of this story, arrives at his hostel with a bag full of expectations and a box of ladoos that he has to ration through the entire year. These ladoos have helped him on sleepless nights when he has prepared for his mock tests. This element in the film is a direct indication of packed love that reminds you of home. Also, a constant reminder of why you are away from home.
Middle-Class
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The middle class is a section of society that often places a great deal of focus on the education of their children. This focus can result in significant pressure being placed on the child to achieve academic success. This pressure is often closely tied to the parents’ aspirations for their child.
For Vivek, who comes from a middle-class background, the dream of attending IIT is especially important to him and his parents. However, this dream is not necessarily his own; rather, it is something that his parents have planned for him. This can create a great deal of stress and pressure for Vivek, as he works to fulfill his parents’ expectations.
Routine Phone Calls & Chat-Limit
A 90s era is best described as the pre-smartphone era. when people made calls through PCOs (Public Call Offices). You might have seen this romanticized in Bollywood films, where PCO calling was often portrayed as a way for lovers to communicate. In the All India Rank, PCO calls were limited to four minutes, which meant that even though there was so much to talk about, everything had to be said within that short timeframe. Those four minutes were often the most meaningful moments of the day, until the conversation turned towards mundane topics like preparing for IIT exams.
Life & Hormones
The movie has astutely addressed the problems faced by adolescents. It depicts the life of a 17-year-old and how he copes with the hormonal changes that his body undergoes during that time. Masturbation, developing a fondness for a girl, and other experiences that teenage boys typically encounter are some of the significant changes that occur during puberty, and this film has delicately touched on those subjects.
Life Post IIT preparation
Upon returning home after a year of preparing for the IIT, Vivek noticed that the situation at his house had changed. His father had lost his job, and his mother had developed high cholesterol and was bedridden. Now, the pressure to clear the IIT was even greater. All the responsibility and hope for happiness rested on young Vivek’s shoulders, as he pursued a goal he wasn’t sure he even wanted.
The film “All India Rank”goes beyond the nuances that I’ve mentioned. I’m not writing a mundane review that you can find on the internet. Instead, I want to express my admiration for Varun Grover’s art of filmmaking. Despite some flaws here and there, I thoroughly enjoyed this film.
If you haven’t watched “All India Rank” yet, I highly recommend heading to your nearest theater before it leaves.