Review: 'Stanley Ka Dabba'

If you think 'Stanley Ka Dabba' bears any resemblance to 'Taare Zameen Par', you are mistaken. The film goes into a zone that no Hindi film has ever explored earlier. The two films are as diverse as oranges and peaches in terms of content. But like 'Taare Zameen Par', 'Stanley Ka Dabba' also makes a stunning impact on the viewer.

Film-maker Amole Gupte is passionate about cinema with kids as the central characters, which is very evident from the stories he wants us to hear. He chooses to get into their little world, depict their joys, sorrows, concerns... It was evident in 'Taare Zameen Par' [written by Gupte, besides being the creative director] and now in 'Stanley Ka Dabba' [written and directed by Gupte]. Like 'Taare Zameen Par', 'Stanley Ka Dabba' is a slice-of-life film about school kids, it makes you appreciate friendship, besides exploring the relationship that kids share with their teachers. Yet, 'Stanley Ka Dabba' delves deeper. It talks of tiffins and recess breaks and how an orphan's life undergoes a sea-change when confronted by a selfish, cold-blooded teacher, only because the orphan can't afford a lunch box to school.

Simplistic, honest and sensitively told, 'Stanley Ka Dabba' takes you back to your school days. It's unlike any other film you may've watched in the past. It's an uncomplicated film that moves you with its sheer simplicity and unfussiness. Told through the eyes of a 9-year-old kid and filmed extensively inside a classroom, 'Stanley Ka Dabba' moves you on several occasions, especially towards its thought-provoking finale.

Here's a small film with a big heart. A remarkable film with a rock-solid script, this heart-warming experience should not be missed at any cost. A cinematic gem!

He arrives in school much before any of his classmates to drum away his blues on empty benches. He stuffs himself with water instead of the nutritious food that his schoolmates relish during the lunch break. He covers up for his lack of social rank with the finesse of the most seasoned diplomat. He's Stanley [Partho].

Stanley loves to be amongst friends and win the appreciation of his peers and colleagues. He uses his sparkling wit and innocent wisdom to astound everyone around him. At times spinning a yarn amongst friends about his mother's flight, while on occasion conjuring some heartfelt poetry to impress the lovely English teacher, Rosy Miss [Divya Dutta].

There are teachers like the pungent Science Madam, Ms Iyer [Divya Jagdale], whose rigid beliefs smother Stanley's innovative science experiment with all the contempt at her disposal. Then there is the gluttonous Hindi master, Verma Sir [Amole Gupte], who emerges as the catalyst in helping the boys bond for Stanley's dignity and rightful place in the school.