Movie Review: Stanley Ka Dabba

Stanley Ka Dabba- From every child is special to every child has a special Tiffin box!

By Jyotsna Kumar

He used to wear torn, untidy uniform to school. He used to come early in the class. He would beat his blues away by beating drums on empty benches. He has the finesse to sell his stories. He has what it takes to be a scholar but he can't get a lunch box daily to school. And so, like many others he too was taken on his face value, as a kid with no social standing in society by his 'Khadoos' Hindi teacher.

Stanley (Partho) is like any other normal kid and is brilliant in academics and co-curricular activities. But what is not so normal about him is his background. It is due to which, he can't bring a Tiffin box on regular basis to school. No body amongst his friends and classmates would care enough for the reason. To them it's not that a big deal and whenever the curiosity begins to pile up, Stanley would handle it with his immense talent as a seasoned diplomat. Verma (Anmol Gupte) on the other hand is a Hindi teacher who doesn't have a good reputation, not only amongst the students but also amongst the school staff. Students refer to him as 'Khadoos'. He's obnoxious and has a peculiar habit of eyeing on his students 'Dabbas'. His carelessness towards his subject and lectures is quite evident due to this habit. He never approved of Stanley's natural charisma. He would make him write from his right hand even though he's a lefty. He would scold him for not bringing lunch and also if he borrows it from his friends. He wouldn't even let him pee in peace for that matter.

Post Christmas holidays the pressure to finish the curriculum mounts due to which three more periods and two recess breaks are added. Therefore, students were advised to bring in more food. As a result of which 'Khadoos' turns into an obsessive hunter for food, plundering on the biggest 'Dabba' in the school. When he zeroed down on one Stanley and his gang decides to give him a hard time. They make him run from pillar to post in search for his tempting 'Dabba'. But the fun didn't last that long and 'Khadoos' manages to hunt them down. Completely oblivious towards his current reputation, he blames everyone in the gang for making mockery of his repute. But Stanley bears most of his brunt as he orders him to bring his own 'Dabba' only then he'll be allowed to attend the school. And that's when Stanley's ominous times begin.

Stanley ka Dabba is an earnest attempt by Anmol Gupte. He knows the trick to touch upon the toughest of issues that exists in our society through a simplistic tale. The first half of the film takes you back to your school days. Each and every frame is detailed to perfection as you sniff through the close-up montage of those lip-smacking cuisines in preparation. The handheld camera in most places beautifully captures the hustle-bustle of Stanley's life and school. The movie picks up in the second half but no where the first half of the film is tedious. Rather, the first half of the film neatly defines each and every character of the film. A lot of time is spent in terms of defining the look of the characters which only puts an ISI mark on Anmol Gupte's sheer sincerity and integrity. So if Verma is 'Kahdoos', his haggard look only fine tunes his character. Likewise, the constant sweat and bruises on 'Stanley's' face makes you identify more with his grief.  Miss. Rosy (Divya Dutta) hip- blunt cut and chic Sarees makes her the incredible 'Madonna cum Mom' avatar.  The casting crew of the film deserves a big-pat on their back for placing the right actor into the right character. A testimony to that is Stanley's friend who is slightly on the bulky side and is known to offer a palette of cuisines from his 'Dabba' to his friends on a daily basis.

Even though songs run at the background but they dwell so well with the situation that you can't escape them. The sweetness lies in the melody and the simplicity of its lyrics which is done by Hitesh Sonik and Anmol Gupte respectively.

It is hard to understand Gupte's constant urge to show his negative side on celluloid (Kaminey, Phas Gaye Obama, Stanley Ka Dabba).  May be this is the only and best way to showcase his negative traits. Let's hope in future we see him in more positive roles, but for now enjoy this spectacular, creative marvel by him and make sure you enjoy it with your children.

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