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List of Paathshaala Movie Reviews
Ratings:1.5/5 Reviewer:Rajeev Masand Site:IBNLive
Visit Site for MoreRatings:2/5 Reviewer:Taran Adarsh Site:BollywoodHungamaCould it really be possible that no one who read the script of Paathshala had the good sense to recognize that it needed a lot more work before they decided to go out and shoot the damn thing?Indeed, Paathshala starring Nana Patekar and Shahid Kapoor, appears to have originated from an earnest idea, but one that's developed into a dimwitted, harebrained film. It's clear the makers of this film had the seed of a good idea, but lacked the skills to turn it into an engaging film. I'm going with one-and-a-half out of five for director Milind Ukey's Paathshala. It's a frustratingly foolish film; and judging by the indifferent performances of both Nana Patekar and Shahid Kapur, it appears they were just as bored acting in this movie as you are watching it.
PAATHSHAALA merely touches the tip of the iceberg. It attempts to answer questions related to the sanctity of today's education system. It sheds light on the shortcomings in today's schools and how morals and ethics associated with the teaching profession seem to have taken a complete backseat. PAATHSHAALA, penned by Ahmed Khan and directed by Milind Ukey, is well-intentioned. It has a lot to say, but the predicament is, what translates on celluloid is not razor-sharp. Of course, there are few defining moments in the movie, which do make you ponder on the plight of the educational system. But there are also portions - when the media steps in to boost the brand of the school - that are mumbo-jumbo. Final word? PAATHSHAALA, made with noble intentions, could've been a splendid wake up call, but it runs out of steam midway!Visit Site for More
Ratings:3/5 Reviewer:Nikhat Kazmi Site:TimesOfIndia
The film is low key, restrained and often too laid back. Yet it works because it is intensely topical and has an uncluttered charm to it. Set in the precincts of an old world school, it traces the battle of a handful of sincere and committed teachers and students against a newage management that wants to transform the centre of education into a commercial venture.But Paathshaala does strike a chord with its simple tale of how a few good men -- and kids -- first try to cope up with a rapidly changing system of education which has the kids trying to hard sell their school by participating in reality shows and grabbing space in the print and television media. The film does slog somewhat, specially in the second half and tends to lose momentum due to a loose script and an unimaginative screenplay.Visit Site for More
Ratings:1.5/5 Reviewer:Preeti Arora Site:Rediff
Unfortunately the title of this film will have most parents' think of it as a children's film. But Paathshaala is not a kiddie flick.Neither is it targeted at an adult audience. In fact Paathshaala is a film which won't keep anybody entertained (young or old).Everything about the film is one-dimensional. The school itself is a set and looks like a cardboard cut-out. The characters are all good or all bad; there are no shades of grey It's the last 10 minutes of the film with the two lead actors Nana Patekar and Shahid Kapoor which saves the film. Both of them act in a calm, mature manner and the scene makes some impact. Which the rest of the film does not! Paathshaala has its heart in the right place. Unfortunately everything else is not. See it if docudramas are your cup of tea.Visit Site for More
Ratings:1.5/5 Reviewer:Anupama Chopra Site:NDTV
Paathshala is staggeringly inept. The script by Hanif Sheikh has no discernable arc.Random scenes follow each other – most of the first half is spent in establishing the various teachers and students at the school.At the end, post-speech, the school still has no funds and shutting shop seems eminent but Sahai, his teachers and his students are all smiling. I think no one noticed that actually nothing was accomplished. The trouble is that film doesn’t stray into unintentional comedy territory either. It’s just unremittingly dull. I recommend that you steer clear. I’m sure, unlike the principal, you can find other alternatives.Visit Site for More
Ratings:2/5 Reviewer:Shubhra Gupta Site:IndianExpress
Why is it so hard to make movies on schools and school children which feel real? Early light-hearted repartee between Kapoor, all earnest and floppy-haired, and the wholesome Takia raises hopes, but those are dashed soon after when the movie falls into overstated, predictable zones.Visit Site for More
The way in which the high moral ground is being gobbled up by unprincipled greed is shown in great detail, and is about the only thing in the film which feels vaguely new .There is a crying need for films which are for and about children, and about the importance of education : maybe too-eager parents who want their kids to be rockstars before they’ve started being kids can take something away from `Paathshaala’, which wants to say the right things but flubs it.Maybe.
Ratings:1/5 Reviewer:Mayank Shekar Site:HindustanTimes
The school here is low on funds. Education, like health, law (even journalism), constantly battle conflicts between being a profession, or a business alone. Practicalities eventually take over.Visit Site for More
So, suddenly, music instruments and basketballs are handed out not to the best players in the school, but to the ‘best payers’. Canteen rates go up. As do hostel fees. This is after enough teenaged flirting, campus romance, cheery songs and short-skirt dances have been displayed in equal measure to sell this film itself. An education you get around this hotchpotch flick is Shahid Kapoor’s bizarre choices at script selection alone (this, after Chance Pe Dance as a dance-instructor the same year).Rent’s got to be paid. Ms Soni, and not Mr Sibal, may prefer this hilarious pic.
