Rough Book

'Rough Book' is an off beat recipe with commercial ingredients but will surely make you recall films like 'Paathshaala', 'Faltu' and 'Aarakshan'.

Rough Book fails to be an affecting and timely film. Its lack of relevance lies in its first-bencher, textbook interpretation of India's most legal epidemic.

Even as you lose your heart to Rough Book's intention, you can't buy the amateurish story. The dialogues are dated, the story is predictable (despite a momentary surprise towards the end) and the climax is sloppily done. The performances are charming (be it Amaan Khan, Joy Sengupta, Kaizaad Kotwal or Suhasini Mulay) but the film is forgettable.

This film also challenges Google's inability in answering all questions of life. The questions put forth to illustrate this point include, "How do you increase the sales of a cooking oil manufacturer?, and "Why did Beyonce apologise to a NASA scientist." Yes, this was covered in a physics class. To evade legal proceedings from the internet giant, a suitable disclaimer that praises the world's most popular internet search engine, is tucked into the end credits. This one, is only to caution audiences.

A physics teacher shows up to teach 'section D' at a posh junior college and helps them 'clear their fundas'. Beautifully shot, the writing makes for a frustrating viewing. It makes a weak and very obvious point about the education system but fails in delivering the message.

Watch the movie if you miss your school days and want to see a feel good school life story. But this time, besides the school life, be ready to get a glimpse of what is corroding the education system of the country from within.