Aug. 12, 2011|India|164 Min.|PG
Genre: Bollywood;Drama;Thriller
Description: “Aarakshan,” released in 2011, is a thought-provoking film that explores themes of social inequality and the reservation system in India. The story revolves around Deepak Kumar, an MSc topper from a low-caste background, who faces discrimination during a job interview at a prestigious school. This incident deeply affects him, and he confides in his mentor, Dr. Prabhakar Anand, a respected principal at STM College, where Deepak studied. Dr. Anand offers him a temporary teaching position at the college, providing a ray of hope.
Deepak finds support in his upper-caste friend, Sushant, and his girlfriend, Poorvi, who is Dr. Anand’s daughter. However, tensions rise when the state minister, Baburam, attempts to enroll his underqualified nephew in STM College. Faced with Dr. Anand’s refusal, the minister manipulates the situation by installing Mithilesh Singh, a cunning and self-serving individual, on the college board. Mithilesh aligns with the minister’s ambitions to create a massive educational empire, further complicating matters.
The narrative intensifies when the Supreme Court introduces reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). While the backward classes welcome the decision, the upper-caste students, led by Sushant, oppose it, leading to conflicts on campus. Deepak, torn between his caste identity and loyalty, clashes with Dr. Anand, causing a rift with Poorvi.
The film delves into the debate surrounding the reservation system, highlighting the struggles of marginalized communities and the resistance from privileged groups. Dr. Anand’s stance in favor of a balanced reservation policy sparks controversy, threatening his position at STM College.
“Aarakshan” presents a compelling examination of societal divisions and the complexities of India’s education system. The film’s powerful performances and impactful storytelling make it a significant cinematic work addressing critical social issues.
Cast director: Prakash Jha
Cast actor: Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee, Prateik Babbar, Aanchal Munjal, Hema Malini, Tanvi Azmi, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma
Original name: आरक्षण