Rough Book (2016) User Reviews

A hard look at the education system, somewhat cursory but a good watch

[samabc-31952 · 6/10 · 18 February 2022]

"Neither the development of a grading system nor the subsequent revisions of that system were done for the benefit of student learning per se; historically, grades have existed primarily for institutions." - Schinske and Tanner Good grades reflect one's ability to perform well not learn well. Academic performance reflect commitment, hard work and organizational skills not necessarily intelligence. Often traditional and myopic mindsets confuse performance in exams with intelligence. They are two discreet dimensions with no proportionality to each other. Our education systems, parents and students themselves focus on extrinsic motivation rather than intrinsic. This movie gives an once-over to the current traditional education system of modern india. It is not an avant- grade plot and has some unnecessary elements.. could have been more scrupulous.. Not a commercial ensemble.. Average performances.. However, an eye-opener, thought provoking plot... still a good watch..

It tried...

[manigarg0000 · 6/10 · 6 February 2021]

The story was promising at first, telling people that education in not about marks, but the movie itself showed that it is about marks. The teacher who got the class of below average kids to teach, taught them not theoretically but practically and became their favorite and got suspended. But when her students got average marks she was sad. And the same students when cracked IIt entrance she was happy and at the end movie showed that Geniuses from IITs are changing the world, and I was like What?, where is the knowledge now, there are many people from other colleges who are doing great than them. The movie gave mixed messages. And they didn't think about other students of the class other than a group of friends. The mighty teacher didn't like them? Some of the things said were worth it but the movie irritated me at the end because it showed that IIt is the end of the world.

Fizzles after a great start

[tanujpoddar · 7/10 · 19 August 2018]

A passionate and idealistic high school teacher, Santoshi, is leading a settled life married to an IT officer. Things change all of a sudden, when he is caught in a bribery case and she too is implicated because the cash was hidden in her house. Not able to digest this, she decides to divorce, leave her present job and heads back to her hometown. There she meets her guardian, who gives her renewed strength to rebuild her life. This makes her come back and seek another job. She gets one as a physics teacher for a section D, which consists of only those students who score less marks in the exam. She realizes that these students are smart but dont have much interest in studies, thus takes this up as a challenge. Also, helping her in this battle is her band of like minded teachers who are also her very close friends. In a parallel track, the movie also explores the managerial side of education institutes and how their decisions impact the students. While the script is not very tightly bound, it serves its purpose and keeps the story moving. Towards the end, the movie does feel a little stretched out. Tanishtha as Santoshi and Joy Sen Gupta as Khursheed really deliver an impactful performance. The students also play out their parts well, though they don't leave any major impact. The editing and background score leaves it to look more like a telefilm rather than a fast moving feature film.

very interesting view on the education system

[samuraix89 · 7/10 · 30 August 2020]

Seems like a very good few on the education system. good take on some of the realities. some things could be better it seems that some of the tricks are taken from Walter Higgins lectures, more of hope themed movie where we can eventually reach I guess.

Could have been better

[AtomicKonstant27 · 5/10 · 24 July 2020]

The movie is about the Indian education system, the students & the teachers that are a part of it. In first 40 mins the movie swings here and there between topics, it digresses from its main story about the education system toward corruption, divorce & shame of getting caught with black money.

Had these unnecessary mini story lines been not there it would've been an excellent movie. It has a potential of being a 9 star movie but alas this movie doesn't live upto what it could've been. I do not recommend this movie. 👎🏽

Inspiring

[Iampapaibiswas · 5/10 · 31 October 2019]

Story is inspiring ! Acting is not well. So, their is a great massage to youth.