UPA Government, Price Rise, 64th Independence Day = Peepli Live

Peepli Live

INDIA - Omkar Das Manikpuri a.k.a Natha is a poor farmer from the village Peepli who honed his skills as a singer, dancer, mimic and stand-up comic. An unfortunate unpaid government loan leaves him in a despair when he is about to lose his small plot of land. Only one solution can take him out from the problem that is the very same government policy, stating to support farmer’s families who have committed suicide. As the only solution left, Natha wish to die!

“Peepli Live”, the satiric comedy drama is all about India’s troubled village life, which is hardly focused in media. The movie juggles rural morality tale, which encounters the same forces (globalization, inflation, corruption, easy money etc.) facing by urban, though in a different taste. Directed by journalist turned director Anusha Rizvi, says the movie is inspired by real-life hapless situation of farmers and current price rise, mismanagement of government, fragile Indian agrarian society and horrible cases of farmer suicides. According to government statistics, from 1991 to 2001 182,000 farmers committed suicide and 8 million Indians quit farming altogether.

"It's alarming. And it's something that took a while for the government to take notice of," said Aamir Khan, producer of "Peepli Live" with Kiran Rao, during an L.A. stopover last week to promote the film.

The bizarre reality of Indian agrarian sector is well highlighted in the movie. However, it is doubtful that farmer’s suicides are all linked to financial turmoil but undoubtedly rural population is struggling. The rural populations, who constitute the majority in the country, pressurize to compete against international agricultural trade and subsidized farm interest. The film revolves around nearly all aspects of villagers who are continuously fooled by government twisted policies and corruption.

“Peepli Live” showcases the spider web of Indian political tirade when political stalwarts, high ranking bureaucrats, local henchmen and extra precocious media falls upon a small village called Peepli and stake their claims. The big question is “Will Natha suicide or Won’t he?” Nevertheless, nobody care about the poor Natha whose life’s flow suddenly runs reverse.

The best part of the movie is, irrespective of sarcastic filches, and it never seems preachy or overbearing. The subtle emotions by the common rural people and incorruptibility of the protagonist will attract audiences.

"I'm a little hesitant in calling it a satire because there is a very strong emotional thread to the film," said Rizvi. "I like the theater that comes out of reality, the drama that comes out of reality."

The director may have dithered to call the movie a satire but the thoughtful and down to earth flick releasing just before Indian 64th Independence Day is nothing short of sarcasm.
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Nattha Ban Gaya Star, Peepli A Hotspot
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