All India Rank Movie Review: Varun Grover’s Directorial Debut Falls Short, Unpacking the film

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All India Rank Movie Review: Crafting a film that delves into profound thoughts is akin to an ordinary celestial event for any writer – a journey resembling a falling star, capturing the attention before turning into stardust on Earth. Just as capturing a fading star’s photo in the sky may not inspire a photographer as much 20 years later, the same curiosity arises: does Varun Grover, a writer, lyricist, and now a film director, find the same zeal revisiting his past cinematic creation, “All India Rank”?

Cinematic Upbringing in All India Rank Movie

The film unfolds the story of Varun Grover, an engineering student from a middle-class family, resonating with the narrative of aspirants striving to outshine societal expectations in the era when cracking competitive exams meant transcending the norms of becoming doctors or engineers. The film mirrors the struggles faced by a lad catapulted into the hustle-bustle of Kota, once a city teeming with coaching factories, where academic pressure blended with odd friendships and a budding romance. Grover, an alumnus of the Anurag Kashyap school of Hindi cinema, showcases his finesse in delicately portraying character intricacies, reminiscent of a Stefán Gráf sketch.

A Lackluster Matchbox’s Third Consecutive Flop

Matchbox, a prominent film company known for hits like “Andhadhun,” “Monica O My Darling,” and “Scoop,” faced a streak of misfortune with its latest trilogy – “Three Off Us,” “Meri Christmas,” and now “All India Rank.” Among these, “Three Off Us” stands as the most commendable, while “All India Rank” trails as the weakest link. Grover, the brain behind the narrative, penned the story two decades ago, catching the attention of Jai Deep Sahni, the writer of “Chak De India,” who subsequently handed it over to director Sriram Raghavan. However, the outcome of Grover’s additional effort to transform this tale into an exceptional film fell short.

A Scorecard from Anurag Kashyap’s School

As a debut director, Varun Grover joins the ranks of those influenced by the Anurag Kashyap school of filmmaking. While he demonstrated his capabilities in films like “Masaan,” his latest endeavor, “All India Rank,” lacks the finesse expected from an alumnus. Every director aspires to make their first film in their comfort zone, and Grover’s attempt to shoot in his hometown, Lucknow, is evident. However, the film fails to absorb the local backdrop and atmosphere, and the pacing feels rushed. Unnecessary scenes, like explicit phone conversations, detract from the film’s core story, and instances like the protagonist finding the word ‘sex’ in his mother’s diary seem gratuitous, diluting the film’s overall impact.

Sheeba, Samta, and Geeta Steer the Ship

The cast, including Samta Sudhiksha, showcases a promising future. Samta, known for her role in Netflix’s “Bhakshak,” delivers a commendable performance. On the other hand, Antara, played by Geeta Agrawal, presents a fresh face, leaving an impression. Shanti Bhushan, portraying the father, adds a layer of depth to his character.

While “All India Rank” seemed poised to become Matchbox’s next success, it falters, falling short of expectations. Varun Grover’s transition from a seasoned writer to director reveals the challenges in translating a script into a compelling film. The film’s pacing, unnecessary embellishments, and a lack of authenticity in portraying the local essence contribute to its downfall. Despite commendable performances by the cast, the film fails to leave a lasting impact. Varun Grover’s foray into direction requires refining, and one hopes future endeavors exhibit the storytelling prowess seen in his earlier works.

In essence, “All India Rank” leaves much to be desired, marking it as a less-than-stellar addition to the Matchbox filmography. As the film industry anticipates the emergence of a new ‘Nirupa Roy’ in Geeta Agrawal, it’s a reminder that the journey from a falling star to a radiant one is not without its challenges.

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