Remember those days of endless tuition, parental pressure, and the burning ambition to crack the IIT entrance exam? Varun Grover’s directorial debut, All India Rank, takes us on a trip down memory lane, exploring this quintessential middle-class dream in late 90s India. But while the film aims to capture a relatable experience, it stumbles in its execution, leaving viewers feeling oddly detached.
Story
The film follows Vivek (Bodhisattva Sharma), a 17-year-old from Lucknow who gets shipped off to Kota by his father (Shashi Bhushan) to prepare for the grueling IIT JEE exam. We see Vivek navigate the challenges of hostel life, intense coaching classes, and the constant pressure to succeed. The narrative juggles themes of academic expectations, societal pressures, and the yearning for self-discovery amidst the relentless pursuit of an “All India Rank.”
Cast & Crew
| Cast | Character |
|---|---|
| Bodhisattva Sharma | Vivek |
| Samta Sudiksha | (Character Unkown) |
| Shashi Bhushan | RK Singh (Vivek’s Father) |
| Sheeba Chaddha | (Character Unkown) |
| Sanjay Routray | Producer |
| Varun Grover | Director |
Review
On paper, All India Rank has a promising premise. The story taps into a familiar experience for many Indians, and the nostalgia factor could have been a powerful tool. But the film struggles to translate this potential into a truly engaging experience. The pacing feels slow, and the events unfold in a predictable manner. The attempt to use metaphors related to physics and math equations to depict life’s complexities falls flat, failing to evoke the intended emotional depth.
Bright Spots
There are a few redeeming moments. The film captures some tender, non-stereotypical scenes, like Vivek fiddling with the ubiquitous wristbands from the late 90s or the mother’s awkwardness around the topic of s*x.
The lead performances are sincere, with Bodhisattva Sharma delivering a relatable portrayal of Vivek. However, even these glimpses of authenticity can’t salvage the overall feeling of disengagement.
Verdict
Given Varun Grover’s background in witty writing, the script’s blandness is particularly disappointing. It lacks the spark of satire or humor that could have elevated the material. All India Rank ends up feeling like a long and tedious lecture – one you’d rather skip. It’s not a terrible film, but its lack of emotional depth and slow pacing make it a forgettable experience.