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Chalk n Duster

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Chalk n Duster
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJayant Gilatar
Written byRanjeev Verma
Neetu Verma
Produced byAmin Surani
Starring
CinematographyBaba Azmi
Edited bySantosh Mandal
Music bySandesh Shandilya
Production
company
Surani Pictures
Distributed bySPE Films India
Release date
  • 15 January 2016 (2016-01-15)
Running time
130 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Chalk n Duster is a 2016 Indian drama film about the commercialization of the Indian private education system, starring Shabana Azmi, Juhi Chawla, Zarina Wahab, Girish Karnad, and Divya Dutta.[1][2][3][4] The film talks about teachers' and students' communication, and highlights the problem of teachers and students in an educational system which is changing day by day.

The film was directed by Jayant Gilatar, written by Ranjeev Verma and, Neetu Verma and produced by Amin Surani.[5][6][7]

Upon release, the film received mixed reviews from critics. The Hindustan Times said, "It’s a well told ethics versus greed story".[1][8][9][10]

The film was made tax free in Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.[11]

Plot

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Vidya (Shabana Azmi) is one of the senior staff members at a fair-to-middling educational institution, which has thus far functioned smoothly under the able hands of Principal Indu Shastry (Zarina Wahab). Everything changes with the appointment of the new principal. The teachers face unpleasant surprises when the popular and considerate Indu is replaced by the ambitious and cutthroat Kamini (Divya Dutta), who aspires to upscale this middle-class school. Teachers' chairs are removed from the classrooms, tea is no longer free, and class subjects are juggled between teachers, spoiling the dynamic of the whole school.

All of this is too much for the good-hearted Vidya, who suffers a heart attack after a sudden and unfair dismissal. In solidarity, her friend and colleague Jyoti (Juhi Chawla) decides to take on Kamini and the misdirected board of trustees, led by Anmol (Aarya Babbar). This entails using a TV channel as a platform to remind viewers that teachers need support, recognition, and more pay.

The drama ends with a recovered Vidya and Jyoti taking on a Who Wants to Be A Millionaire-style quiz to win 5 crore rupees. The trade-off is that if they lose, they will have to accept their termination and leave their professions. Vidya and Jyoti use their talents to win the quiz battle. Unwillingly, the trustee, Anmol, signs a bank cheque for 5 crore rupees and apologizes to Vidya and Jyoti publicly on the TV show. In the end, Vidya reveals that she will be handing over the money to former principal Indu to build a school where no teacher will be discriminated against and students will receive a good education for a lower cost.

Cast

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Soundtrack

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No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Aye Zindagi"Sonu Nigam 
2."Deep Shiksha"Alka Yagnik 
3."Jingle Bodmas"Shabana Azmi 

Reception

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According to Meena Iyer of Times of India Chalk N Duster has its heart in the right place. Made with an intention of showcasing the worms in the current education system, this film can be lauded to some degree - and gave it a 2.5/5 rating.[12]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Chalk N Duster review: It's a well told ethics versus greed story". hindutsan times. 15 January 2016.
  2. ^ Bollywood Hungama. "Rishi Kapoor to do a cameo in Juhi Chawla, Shabana Azmi starrer Chalk N Duster". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 19 November 2015.
  3. ^ "Chalk N Duster - Official Trailer". Archived from the original on 4 February 2016. Retrieved 29 December 2015.
  4. ^ CHALK N DUSTER - Official Trailer - Shabana Azmi, Juhi Chawla - Releasing 15th Jan, 2016. 20 December 2015 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ "'Chalk N Duster' within mainstream cinema: Shabana Azmi". The Indian Express. 25 October 2015.
  6. ^ "'Chalk N Duster' will make you clap for your teachers: Juhi Chawla". The Indian Express. 15 September 2015.
  7. ^ "Rishi Kapoor to Make a Guest Appearance in Chalk N Duster - NDTV Movies". NDTVMovies.com.
  8. ^ "Review: Chalk N Duster has good intent but clumsy execution". Rediff. 15 January 2016.
  9. ^ "'Chalk & Duster' review: One of the most forgettable films this year". IBNLive.
  10. ^ "Chalk N' Duster review: Nothing rescues this Juhi Chawla, Shabana Azmi film". The Indian Express. 15 January 2016.
  11. ^ "'Chalk N Duster' made tax-free in Bihar Delhi, Rajasthan, UP". The Indian Express. 15 January 2016.
  12. ^ Iyer, Meena (18 April 2016). "CHALK N DUSTER MOVIE REVIEW". The Times of India.
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