Barayan

Barayan, released in 2018, directed by Deepak Patil, is a heartwarming Indian Marathi social drama, sprinkled with humor, that covers the critical topic of India's education system and the stresses it induces on students. The film erects an intricate story involving various interpersonal relationships and presents a multilayered take on the challenges facing education in contemporary India. With a star-studded cast including Kushal Badrike, Prarthana Behere, and Om Bhutkar, the movie also provides a potent dose of family drama and education reform issues.

The story revolves around the central character, Onkar (played by Anurag Worlikar), a trustworthy and sensitive teenage boy. Onkar enjoys a content yet typical rural lifestyle at the heart of India. He is a beloved son of a hard-nosed government officer (played by Om Bhutkar), who is ardent about his son's academic career and carries high hopes for Onkar's future. On the other side, the boy's mother (played by Pratiksha Lonkar) is a gentle and compassionate woman who understands his apprehensions and aspirations.

Given the highly competitive society and the expectations from his family, Onkar is under perpetual pressure to excel in his 12th Standard Board examinations. Although he is drawn towards arts and has an intense fascination for Bollywood cinema, he succumbs to societal and parental pressure, finding himself amidst a science degree. Despite being forced to deny his passion for the arts, Onkar's humorous and lighthearted demeanor masks his worries and inner turmoils effectively.

His sister Anuja's (played by Prarthana Behere) return home after a long time instigates a great change, unfolding a series of twists and turns in Onkar's saga. Anuja herself, a successful doctor, has her perspective on their father's dictatorial approach. However, as the story unfolds, surprising revelations are made about Anuja's involvement in her brother's life and her real career choice, all of which significantly impact Onkar's life.

The film also reflects on the dichotomy of approaches to life between the urban and rural landscapes, such as Onkar's friend Kushal (played by Kushal Badrike), who dreams big even though he is rooted in the village's realities.

Barayan is an engaging exploration of education, youthful dreams, and parental pressure in today's age. At its core, the movie bares the harsh reality of how numerous students are absorbed into traditional career paths, suppressing their dreams and passions. It paints a vivid picture of the dilemma countless Indian students face, ensnared between societal expectations, their dreams, and the fear of disappointing their parents.

Director Deepak Patil cleaves to his storyline earnestly, presenting a well-drafted script with an effective mix of drama, humor, emotions, and sensitivity. He employs robust direction to convey the mindset of a teenager encaged between his wishes and his responsibilities towards his family. Patil's filmmaking maneuvers successfully navigate the viewers through a gamut of social issues, especially pertaining to India's education system, delivering a hard-hitting message.

The performances are handled astutely, with Anurag Worlikar rendering a compelling role as Onkar. Rarely seen in movies, his casting as the protagonist is novelistic. Prarthana Behere and Om Bhutkar also give convincing performances, as well as Kushal Badrike, who brings humor to this otherwise serious drama. The supporting cast does an excellent job creating a coherent and tangible environment for the storyline to proceed effectively.

The movie interweaves parallel storylines of disparate characters, thereby building a sense of suspense around each of their destinies and the cruciality of their decisions. Barayan firmly stands as a metaphor that potentially represents testing times or examinations in life. Moreover, the movie doesn't shy away from incorporating a Que sera sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be) subtlety where life proceeds unpredictably, and coming to terms with this unpredictability remains the only feasible strategy.

In conclusion, Barayan serves as a wake-up call to society, reminding us not to overlook children's dreams and aspirations in the drive towards academic excellence. It is a compelling drama resounding with warmth, humor, and a strong social message that leaves the viewer introspective about the current education system and its pressures. It is not only an enjoyable cinematic experience but a thought-stimulating one that stays with the viewer long after the movie concludes. Both thought-provoking and touching, Barayan is a must-watch for cinema lovers and those who seek engaging social narratives.