Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Dasvi (Tenth)


Ganga Ram Chaudhary is an, uneducated, corrupt, charismatic politician who has everything his way until he's jailed for bribery. When a tough warden removes all his perks and piques his pride by calling him an uncouth bumpkin Chaudhary decides to take advantage of the prison's education program, both to finally get his high school education (passing the "tenth standard") and to avoid manual labor. 

In the meantime, his formerly meek wife has been deputized to fulfill his political duties. Acquiring a taste for politics, she begins her own campaign to stay in power. Chaudhary must outwit her plans while finding a way to absorb the lessons that baffle a brain unused to education. 

I have always enjoyed Abishek Bachchan's comedic roles more than the serious ones and this is no exception. This film avoids the common Indian comedic signals of sound effects and funny sidekicks to use the humor of the situation to full advantage. We clearly see the "education message" coming but the familiar beats are so skillfully done that it is a pleasure to watch. I especially enjoyed the special key to unlocking Chaudhary's intelligence. After all, he couldn't be such a successful politician without being smart but tangents and cosigns are beyond him until that key is found.

I also really loved the star turn from Nimrat Kaur as his wife Bimmo. I liked her in The Lunchbox and Airlift, but in this film she shows a sassy, more forceful side as she begins to hold power and enjoy being more than a housewife.

Dasvi is suitable for all ages. It is truly a family film that everyone can enjoy, although you may have to let some of the political details wash over you. They don't matter. We understand the main story. The joy is in watching how it is played out in this particular circumstance by these very talented actors.

Rating — Introduction to Bollywood (come on in, the water's fine!)

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