Mar. 14, 2019|India|104 Min.|PG
Genre: Bollywood;Drama
Description: The 2019 film “Mere Pyare Prime Minister” begins with women from a Mumbai slum exchanging humorous, risqué remarks about their personal lives. The plot quickly shifts to a man involving children in selling hashish, followed by a suggestive song featuring a woman who keeps forgetting her name. With elements like sex, drugs, and references to Katrina Kaif, director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra makes it evident that this film is not intended for a younger audience.
Rather than focusing on typical themes, the movie critiques the government for its failure to provide adequate public sanitation facilities. The story revolves around Kannu, a spirited and somewhat naive child played by Om Kanojiya, who turns the act of defecating outdoors into a game with his friends. The film steers clear of glorifying poverty, instead presenting gritty realities with a touch of dark humor. When everything is unclean, nothing seems out of place.
Kannu’s mother, portrayed convincingly by Anjali Patil, faces a brutal assault while using an open toilet. However, the film avoids portraying her solely as a victim. Motivated by this traumatic event, Kannu embarks on a mission to build a private bathroom for his mother, even reaching out to the Prime Minister with a letter in hand.
“Mere Pyare Prime Minister” is a heartfelt yet simple tale, modest in its execution but lacking lasting impact. While the child actors deliver commendable performances and certain scenes are endearing, the adult characters steal the show. A standout moment involves a neighborly couple, played by Nachiket Purnapatre and Rasika Agashe, who exchange affectionate slaps as a form of greeting and flirtation. Their chemistry is palpable, and their decision to abandon movie plans for intimacy adds a touch of realism.
Mehra’s direction shines in its simplicity, reminding viewers that films are just that—entertainment. Sometimes, choosing life over a movie is the better option.
Cast director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Cast actor: Anjali Patil, Makrand Deshpande, Atul Kulkarni
Original name: मेरे प्यारे प्राइम मिनिस्टर