Preview: Paathshala's challenge

Shahid Kapoor, Ayesha Takia and Nana Patekar

Director: Milind Ukey
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Ayesha Takia

Rahul Udyavar (Shahid Kapoor) is an English teacher who joins a school situated in the outskirts of Mumbai.

On his first day, he strikes instant rapport with students and teachers alike but realises there is something amiss in the school.

His doubts turns out to be true when the school manager, Sharma (Saurabh Shukla) starts making compulsory financial demands on the parents in the name of extracurricular activities.

He even goes to the extent of punishing the students inhumanly when the new unjustified demands of the school are not fulfilled by the parents.

When Rahul joins forces with the other teachers against the atrocities of school management, while headmaster, Aditya Sahay (Nana Patekar) defends the management decision.

This comes as a shock to all as Mr Sahay is known for his total dedication for the students' welfare.

The situation worsens when school management becomes over-ambitious by involving students in television reality shows.

The pressure on young minds soon leads to unexpected and grim consequences. This causes the students to rebel as their problems become a national issue.

Paathshaala sheds light on the shortcomings and wrong doings in today's Mumbai schools. It shows how high morals and basic ethics associated with the teaching profession seem to have taken a back seat.

The film stars Shahid Kapoor and Nana Patekar in lead roles and is being released by EROS International in UK cinemas.

Previewed by Manish Gajjar
BBC Bollywood Correspondent