Chalk N Duster
wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do (?)
A movie about teachers gets predictably preachy. No surprises there. It fails to teach in an interesting way despite being in the capable hands of Shabana Azmi, Juhi Chawla and Divya Dutta.
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Chalk N Duster comes across as a personal film. As in the writer/director/producer has either had a teacher in his life who he wanted to pay a tribute to or know of a teacher or two who have been insulted by the people who make education a business. The unempathatic attitude towards teachers in general is attacked with single-minded focus. While not a bad premise in itself, the discrepancies within the theme and real life are too large to stop nagging for even one minute of the film.
The film is set in a private school where real-life teachers are treated much better than the way shown in the film. The issues of the teachers in government schools are not addressed at all. Which is alright, if the story is about a private school. But then, it doesn't stay a story of a private school but becomes one in which the common man gets involved and there is huge drama with teachers having to take a test.
I haven't been able to wrap my head around the logical flow of the premise though. If the matter is of national interest, it is a social issue. If the issue is social, then the representative example used to resemble something in real life. In which case, a private school with ample funding doesn't fit the bill. Here we completely ignore the fact that most real-life teachers aren't really great teachers. This is also the opportune place to mention the irony of the 'and' in the film's title being spelt as 'n'. Is that the makers' way of saying their methods are not outdated?
As with any movie that doesn't make logical sense, you accept the premise and focus on the execution. There too Chalk N Duster fails big time. Too much time is spent in coloring the vamp darker and darker. Even if we resist complaining about the time spent in making the victimized teachers good at heart and loving by nature, the mechanisms used to demonstrate these are sappy and unengaging.
Despite all of the above, the film manager to tug you emotionally for a bit in the second half. When villains are all black, they have to be menacing and capable of all things inhuman. Divya Dutt as the principal, Kamini Sharma manages to make you hate her within the first few seconds of screen time. Similarly, Shabana Azmi evokes enough sympathy to root for her character, Mrs. Sawant. So restrained is her performance in a role that could have been laden with drama that Juhi Chawla's controlled (non-shrieking), Jyoti.
This is all soon undone with a ridiculous climax. To start with, it reinforces the Indian education system's obsession with rote learning. Then there's testing the teacher's knowledge instead of teaching skills. Lastly, the concept itself is too lame for the amount of buildup towards the climax.
Save a few good performances then, Chalk N Duster is just another story about honest, diligent workers vs. big, bad management; about the common man vs. the system. Other than the 'education' angle there is nothing new, which is a shame because this angle actually has a lot of scope to be novel. Especially when it was in the capable hands of Shabana Azmi, Juhi Chawla and Divya Dutta.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Gayatri Gauri, FirstPost : ...The very fact that we have a decent, heartwarming story with three women, who are neither glamorous or young — playing central characters — is reason enough to applaud Chalk n Duster. More power to middle aged heroines who deserve as much screen space as the 50-year-olds Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Rohit Vats, Hindustan Times : ...Chalk N Duster is a film worth your time. It’s fast, dramatic and meaningful. Simply put, a good watch. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Divya Solgama, Star Blockbuster : ...On an overall basis, ‘Chalk N Duster’ is a decent film narrating a soulful lesson. Despite of its tacky presentation and outdated looks, the movie will be still cherished by the feel good type of simple film lovers as it has a strong undercurrent along with few great actors and proper soul attached to it. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Shaheen Raaj, Star Blockbuster : ...Last Word: The film will pick up in the multiplexes as well as the single theatre's mainly by word of mouth publicity. - See more at: http://starblockbuster.com/chalk-n-duster-0#sthash.VIBg8Loe.dpuf... full review
So-So, by Kusumita Das, Deccan Chronicle : ...A little more finesse could have helped Chalk n Duster emerge a topper in the genre. With a subject like this, telling the story well was as important as telling it at all. Unfortunately, for now it better hide its report card. ... full review
So-So, by Smita Vyas Kumar, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - A movie with a solid heart. May be amateurish and maudlin in parts but deserves a watch for what it conveys. ... full review
So-So, by Ameet Bhuvan, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - If only meaning well was enough to make a film good ... full review
So-So, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...Written by Ranjeev and Neetu Verma, ‘Chalk N Duster’ focuses on painting a likeable picture about teachers, their tough job requirements and their ability to instill heavy doses of knowledge in their wards. And the bad guys are villains of the piece. There’s not much reason for their contrariness and their humaneness is totally wiped clean. ... full review
So-So, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...Go watch CHALK N DUSTER. Like I said, inspite of its obvious flaws, it's still worth a watch. The quiz round towards the end is quite entertaining with his suspense. The scenes where Vidya teaches with care and concern in school and her neighbourhood are enlightening. Juhi Chawla as her solid friend is endearing. And although the scenes where the ex-students and students in general come to the help of Vidya when she is in hospital appear over-the-top, it still manages to strike a chord in you. ... full review
So-So, by Shubha Shetty-Saha, MiD DAY : ...However, one must make a mention of a few and far in between credible scenes, including the ones between Shabana Azmi and Girish Karnad. These two great actors show us how their talent can rise above the silliest of films. ... full review
So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...Director Jayant Gilatar makes a pertinent film with some crackerjack performances by the lead cast. The story and its message is a winner, but the film is technically inept, complete with the limitations of dubbed sound and abrupt cuts. ... full review
So-So, by Meena Iyer, Times of India : ...Shabana and Juhi are irritatingly saccharine initially; but get firmly in the saddle soon. They're from the dependable lot of actresses after all. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Anna MM Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...It is a mark of Bollywood’s extreme gender bias that the likes of Shabana and Juhi must, more often than not, compromise on quality if they wish to play heroines. These remarkable women deserve better than this clumsy, even if well-meaning, film. So does the teaching profession. ... full review
Thumbs down, by RAJEEV MASAND, IBN Live : ...By this point Chalk & Duster, its noble intentions notwithstanding, has turned into a real slog. I was ready to sprint for the exit just so I didn’t have to endure another minute of this sloppy, misguided movie. Shabana Azmi and Juhi Chawla’s charming presence and sincere performances aside, this could well turn out to be one of the year’s most forgettable films. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Surabhi Redkar, koimoi : ...Watch or Not?: Unfortunately, the film loses its focus from the main plot which is the plight of underpaid teachers with no job security and hence it offers nothing to make up for a theater watch. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Chalk N Duster is the unkindest cut. If you have any respect for your teachers - past present or future - give this film a miss. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Sukanya Verma, Rediff : ...Still, if any of this helps the cause of teachers, good for Team Chalk N Duster. Where movie making is concerned, Gilatar needs to start on a clean slate. ... full review
SnsBaghel: FILM REVIEW: दिल को छू लेगी Chalk N Duster https://t.co/H8w220FrOr
smitenb4: "Chalk and duster"a must watch movie an eye opener to the education system n institute of today a movie for parents too
shahab39: Watched Chalk N Duster very imperesive film talking about the prrseny situation of teachetd in india
sanjeevkumarbm: Chalk n Duster was great and fun... Simple and straight movie with no masala... Very happy that people are making... https://t.co/7lKlBAaXvR
Ritchats: Chalk n Duster , simple yet very meaningful movie , must watch , real tribute to noble profession :TEACHING
ramgandhi52: Chalk n Duster -great n absorbing film /Shabana Azmi/-as always a class act.
RaakeshSaini: 'Chalk N Duster'U DramaDirector: Jayant GilatarSolid: Juhi Chawla, Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta, Girish Karnad,... https://t.co/2jLYnSCQKX
Prateesh_Shah: #Chalk and Duster best movie 5 star,,eye opener movie# #respect teachers
mynameisdaraz: I reviewed Chalk N Duster 4/5. Earn Rs.50 per review #WriteShareWin https://t.co/oVJKrmypfO via @MouthShut
mybollyreview: it is a must watch for every person who really respect their teachers… #ChalkNDuster https://t.co/Eckky5XZK9 @iam_juhi @AzmiShabana
khalidrafiq140: ‘Chalk n Duster’ Movie Review: A Must-watch, Inspirational Film https://t.co/sHCGNcPZuW
iammzkhan: Chalk n duster an Amazing movie hats of to all starring individuals...... @iam_juhi
dolbhi: Chalk and Duster a tribute to the most exploited and neglected profession.High time they get the respect and care they really deserve...
dkhajuriewala: Chalk and duster superb movie...anpi nhi dekhi to jarur dekhne jaye...
deejay0371: 'Chalk N Duster' a brilliant effort: HT https://t.co/kUILEZfjbb -via @inshorts
CNDtheMovie: #ChalkNDuster Full of entertainment with strong message #InCinemasNearYou https://t.co/miKkp3Yn6H @iam_juhi @AzmiShabana @divyadutta25
CND_ID: Dont miss it gaes!! ♥♥♥ https://t.co/0R7kdTEsIh
btowndhamaka: 'Chalk N Duster' tweet review: A bit melodramatic, but definitely makes the right impact https://t.co/c3EQ5H4U8T #BTownUpdates
beeargee: Chalk N Duster is a fresh subject and a refreshing experience. Shabana Azmi, as always , is a treat to watch! Not to be missed.
BalaShroff: "Chalk and Duster" is an excellent film. If you are fond of good cinema then don't miss this film
bafuwild: Rooting for success of Chalk n Duster!!!
abidrasool_khan: 'Chalk N Duster' a brilliant effort: HT https://t.co/UynhA9u2Lj -via @inshorts
AbhiramTinku: Chalk N duster, nice movie, dedicated to teachers. It is also about how management works in background.
Soumyadipta: If you are a Juhi Chawla or Shabana Azmi fan, then Chalk N Duster is for you. If aren't, then we don't recommend it. https://t.co/JD7QqddcBk
mbhardwaj19: Movie: Chalk N Duster, My Rating 3/5. Better movie. https://t.co/B8lMgbKQkc
Bollywood_Talk1: 'Chalk n Duster' Movie Review: Mawkishly executed yet inspirational... https://t.co/cJivnjLuqr #bollywood
AspisDrift: Review: Chalk N Duster has good intent but clumsy execution: Director Jayant Gilatar's sloppy 'tribute' never ... https://t.co/im1SqGBPXv
vnrao54: Movie: Chalk N Duster, My Rating 0/5. I fully agree with the reviewer https://t.co/fCReE9ogZE
palashbiswaskl: Chalk N’ Duster review: Nothing rescues this Juhi Chawla, Shabana Azmi film https://t.co/VFyoJJO8pn
DovTrams1: CND the biggest waste of oxygen ever. Since the 50's and still no one listens to you.The money is not there. https://t.co/fVU98WhJQ2
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: None
- Language: Clean
- Nudity & Sexual content: None
- Concept: The apathy towards teachers
- General Look and Feel: The kind typical of a film made on low budgets.
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Comments (2)
Liked your review particularly the parental guidance. I am a non-movie goer but your review has me curious, of course i am a juhi- Divya fan and am willing to put up with Azmi
the movie was absolutely brilliant. I like it so much.
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