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Nil Battey Sannata backdrop

Nil Battey Sannata

22 April 2016Hindi1h 40m
out of 10
Recommendedmost critics liked it
Monk Score · 19 scored reviews · 9 not rated

Warm and genuine where it counts, even if the ending moralises too much.

Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Authentic performances and emotional warmth
  • Criticised: Preachy, convenient second-half climax

Audience

User score 7.9 out of 10 from 9 ratings, Recommended
Read 1 audience review ↓

Not streaming in India

Critic consensus

What 27 critics are saying

Critical reception for Nil Battey Sannata was broadly positive, with most reviewers praising its warmth, authenticity, and heartfelt performances, particularly highlighting the central mother-daughter relationship. The film's simplicity, honest execution, and grounded depiction of poverty and education were widely appreciated. The most recurring criticism across reviews was a weak second half and an overly preachy, heavy-handed climax that undercut the film's otherwise restrained sincerity. A minority of critics also noted that the narrative occasionally treated its audience as needing explicit moral instruction rather than trusting them to draw their own conclusions.

How the 19 scores spread

9 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 27 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (28)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    Nil Battey Sannata is easy to recommend. It is light-hearted, easy on the eyes and mind, and full of heart. This film says a great deal about a girl-child's struggles, a mother's hopes and the ways of the education system. But, in the end, Nil Battey Sannata is also a good old story about life and its vicissitudes.
  2. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    Translated literally, the phrase means zero multiplied by anything equals zero. It's commonly used to imply blankness, or the notion of knowing nothing. Ironic, considering the film leaves you feeling rewarded and just a little bit wiser.
  3. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    'Nil Battey Sannata' has a strong message about how education can change your life. It does underline the message, but stays just short of being preachy or message-y. And leaves you with a warm glow.
  4. Rediff

    Film review ·

    Overall, Nil Battey Sannata throws light not only the endearing mother-daughter relationship but also subtly explores issues like poverty and education.
  5. Bollywood Life

    Film review ·

    Overall, this film is like a treat to all the mothers and daughters out there. The relationship that Ashwini has captured is astounding. Every daughter can relate to this film even if they don't fall in the poor background as the film is more than that.
  6. Deccan Chronicle

    Film review ·

    Debutant director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari has shown this heart-warming story in an entertaining and emotional way. The climax of the film makes one choke. Though the first half is slow, the second half picks up the pace.
  7. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Bhaskar affirms this with a rare power and simplicity -- a yawning difference from the parts she played as a modern woman in the Tanu Weds Manu series. As is often believed in Bollywood, an actor must be able to let go his/her own self and sink into a character and she does.
  8. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    Nil Battey Sannata is a beautiful film surrounding a mother-daughter relationship. For being not too preachy, nostalgic for all parents as well as kids and emotionally riveting, I am going with a 4/5.
  9. Mumbai Mirror

    Film review ·

    Director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari deserves credit for transforming a very average story with a predictable moral into a film that leaves you feeling snug and content.
  10. SKJBollywoodNews

    Film review ·

    This morally uplifting inspirational heartwarming fable is a must watch, if only to see how difficult it is to be simple.And how much we miss those simply told tales of life byHrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee.
  11. India

    Film review ·

    "Nil Battey Sannata" is a sentimental, inspirational film that is provocative and will appeal to everyone.
  12. PinkVilla

    Film review ·

    As you exit the theatre misty-eyed, you are overwhelmed by the story. You come out believing that dreams do come true. And hardwork assures you a better chance at it than luck.
  13. Sify

    Film review ·

    For the outstanding story, interesting storytelling style, and incredibly authentic performances, this one is a must-watch!
  14. The W14

    Film review ·

    ...every character in this film has to be unusually positive for us to unquestioningly gloss over the complexities of a story like this.
  15. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Though the tempo drops considerably in the second half, Ashwiny ensures that the film never loses its charm. It does get preachy and you find yourself shifting in your seats a lot towards the final scene, but the movie wins you over with its innocence and simplicity.
  16. Deccan Chronicle

    Film review ·

    Nil Battey Sannata is an incredibly moving and emotional film in parts, and thankfully it's more than about chasing one's dreams.
  17. India Today

    Film review ·

    Mother's Day is on May 8 and Nil Battey Sannata is a timely, fitting tribute to the paramount figure in all our lives without whom we are all lesser beings.
  18. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    While the first half is smooth and keeps you involved, the second half falters at many points and the climax seems too convenient and hurriedly wrapped up.
  19. NowRunning

    Film review ·

    The last Pursuit of Happyness style ending is so bad, you want to shake someone up and say could you simply just tell a story and allow the audience to make up their minds about the importance of never losing hope and dreaming big without you having to explain it all? This is a precious little gem of a film, despite it's obvious moral science lesson. Watch!
  20. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    Nil Battey Sannata is a wonderful film that will appeal to all. Chanda and Apeksha will win your heart with their inspiring story. At the end of the movie, you'll want to go home and give your mother a hug!

From our readers

Audience reviews (1)

9 ratings · user score 7.9

  1. 7/10

    Ashwini Iyer Tiwari's directorial debut oozes with conviction. This eccentric drama based on a house help who gets herself admitted to tue school so that she can help her dull daughter for passing in Mathematics in her matriculation exams is an inspiring, motivating and genuinely moving film with poignant emotions and immense prowess of performances. While Swara Bhaskar aces her role as the happy-go-lucky Chanda, Ratna Pathak Shah as an immensely likeable mistress and Pankaj Tripathi as the principal Mr. Srivastava are indeed one of the best performers of the year. It is the most cherishing, heartfelt drama of the year with a clear message Beti Padhao Desh ko unchai tak pahuchao. I'm going with 3.5 out of 5 for Nil Battey Sannata. It's one of the most moving, one of the best Hindi films this year, missing which would be a big guilt.

Credits

Cast & crew

Cast

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