For a large number of Indians, the pursuit of a career in engineering is of paramount importance. Not only does this make it one of the most competitive fields to thrive in, but it also raises the bar of the subject matter exponentially — so much so, that many people across the world agree that Indians set the toughest entrance exams (be it UPSC or JEE). So, when Vikas Bahl’s film Super 30 tries and depicts that complexity by showing Hrithik Roshan calculate angles, speed and force, with simple differential equations on the board, it’s not only a shoddy job, it’s downright disrespectful to engineers.
Based on the true story of educationist Anand Kumar and his class of Super 30, the film follows a fictionalised version of his life. Born into a poor family in Bihar, Kumar (played by Hrithik Roshan) is a naturally gifted mathematician, who perseveres and wins every math competition and exam he sits for. He gets into Cambridge University but is unable to go as he is refused a loan by the government and everyone else. Upon the untimely death of his father, he resorts to selling papad to support his brother and mother.
After a chance meeting with a government official, he is made the star teacher of an IIT coaching centre, but he soon makes up his mind not to be a part of the very system that refused him opportunities. He wants to bring change and so, his Super 30 journey begins.
The film is a prime example of irony dying a cruel death. It’s trademark dialogue, “Ab raja ka beta raja nahi banega. Ab raja woh banega jo haqdaar hoga” is spouted constantly by a man who made his career on the shoulders of his father. The film, directed by a man accused of sexual harassment, has a scene where a woman falsely accuses the protagonist of assault and is instantly called out. It’s almost intentional at this point, and in extremely poor taste.
Not to mention the crazy bronzer on Roshan’s face (the Indian version of racism and blackface) to signify his character’s poor beginnings, or his terrible Bihari accent.
Bahl takes all the possible tropes of an underdog story and puts them together and calls it a film. At every turn, you already know what’s going to happen — Kumar’s father is going to die on a rainy night, as the chain of his cycle breaks. The goon-like politicians will play the most predictable dirty tricks in the book. Kumar will inspire the children by pushing them to do something they believe they couldn’t. There is even a Home Alone-inspired scene where the students take on the goons using maths.
To add insult to injury, the film introduces actress Mrunal Thakur as Ritu, Kumar’s love interest, who adds as much to the film as broken education system does to the development of the country. It’s almost as if Bollywood would crumble if a stand-alone story of a person is made without a token love interest.
As for Hrithik Roshan, he tries, but is unable to shake off the superhero image and find his distinct acting style. He is Krrish trying to be an educationist.
There is not much to say about the mediocre cinematography, music, and editing. This is a film for those who believe films aren’t meant to be taken seriously and enjoyed by ‘leaving your brain at home’ because clearly that’s what the filmmakers did.
Also read: Better data can improve public education in India – draft National Education Policy says it too
The movie is really good and motivating and is based on a person who decides to challenge the society despite of his poor financial conditions….Somewhere it leaves us to rethink about some historical characters like Dronacharya who asked Eklavya to cut his right thumb and offer it to him as Guru Dakshina becoz he didn’t want eklavya to overtake Arjuna in the art of archery ……This movie shows that the children born in poor families are equally talented and intelligent..but what they really need is an optimal environment and financial support which they lack and lead them nowhere ….this is what striked Anand and he started thinking in a different way and took the responsibilities of 30 poor children..so he not only changed the life of 30 children but the whole generation after them ….Big salute to him….
Damn I can’t believe what a joke this critic has made of himself by giving this review rather than the movie. Oh my God like find some place else to rant and put out your frustration. What a joke! Unbelievable that The Print allows such stupid reviews to be published.
Ohmygod what a bad review.
Go and watch movie first. These type of critics are so frustrated that they can’t even appreciate good work. In this article, it is clear that the writer has got some bribe to defame someone else. Pathetic digital media.
This review is co.completely biased. I noted that there was a mention of sexual harrassment case against vikas bahl. Nothing is proved now, and he brought out his frustration in the movie. I think, you are a more brutal feminist. You just chainsawed based on this one thing. This movie , has a story to tell. It brings it out in dramatic way, i agree, just old bollywood shit. But your review has done an outstanding job , by outranking the movie. This movie is not as bad as you wrote, but your review surely is. Do you want to tear off Aloknath too, all his previous movies, by specifically mentioning that metoo incident. Well, let the court do the work , chill out, and do not review another movie again.
Movie is such a waste .. unnecessary dramas ..
Bro, you need a life big time !
Who is this joker movie reviewer? Those who seen the movie will be forced to cut your bu.. Sh. T.
Reviews should strictly be given by mentally fit people…. This journalist is certainly defaming ‘theprint’ by giving a third class and biased review and I wouldn’t want to ever subscribe to this after reading such a bad article..
PS: I saw the movie and it’s certainly a must watch and is extremely inspiring
Couldnt agree more.
Ok first thing first, it is a amazing movie.. I believe this is one of the movie where Hrithik has acted amazingly and not relied upon his dance….
Surprised to read such a negative bias review from author who I believe has got the job/profile basis some links because I don’t think anybody can be so pathetically wrong..
Gone are the days when half baked critics will criticise in a magzine and nobody could react to it. This criticism is certainly in a bad tase depicting the critic rather than Movie.
Are you seriously a journalist?? What have you done till date in your life?? Are you born to criticize people?? Wake up and look around you for more beautiful things!!! It should your character as human being!! The lead actor is acting his role, why are you linking that with his life?? Are you crazy?? He has done a tremendous act. You are nowhere as a journalist. Stop writing this crap or else people will throw out out!
ThePrint should not publish any such article in future without verifying the contents of the article..it’s not a review but the writers frustration and psychological conditions!! These are all pseudo journalist..India should be aware of such (donation) journalists..they are a blot to our country..
I agree, looks like they have hired some bloke to write garbage reviews….
I agree with the comments given by everyone here that it’s not the movie, but your review that is very shoddy. I generally shy away from saying anything negative but your review forced me to. And if you can’t find out anything positive in this movie, then you should definitely reconsider your career option of being a movie critic.
I think she is from Excellent Coaching Classes. Super 30 is a masterpiece in inspiring the youth to achieve what looks impossible. Applaud the Hero.
The heading of the article not at all matches the content! Look, I am also not a supporter of sexual assaulters or rapist. But first, nothing is proven yet against the person in concern, and second I would never let that to interfere with my thinking at a professional level.
These are the type of people because of whom India is so backward! Allowing your personal bias to interfere with a movie review is not at all professional.
You wrote this review so people don’t go and watch the movie. You are so narrow-minded and cheap thinker that you don’t even realize, that this movie has a story to tell. By not encouraging people for watching the movie, you are also indirectly hurting Anand whose story can reach millions of people! I wonder how do you go to bed every day after writing these type of reviews. Seriously, go get a life!
shut up and go home
The article reflects more about the reviewer than the movie. I think you haven’t passed any exams that you SAT IN. In your English term. I don’t see where engineers are disrespected. Clearly you’re pro-Kangana. Pseudo feminist. Let it be your last review(if you can call this). Get a life. Buzz off
A shoddy opinionated review reeking of Bias and Neo Nazi Feminism,I guess you belong to Kangna Camp.
The Movie must be reviewed on its merits and technical aspects, How A mundane common life character becomes larger than life the movie is all about it, May be Hrithik is mis cast, but one thing audience can be sure is ,he will give his own best .Thats the kind of Commitment shown by him
Regarding directors accussed status, let him be proved by court and face the music.
Dont mix your Bias with your profession, It wont help in long run.
And the Moron of the decade award goes to the reviewer unchalleged ?
Get well soon bro, get some life .
Your review is a disrespect to the movie and to all hard working indians alike…easy to see the contempt against the filmmaker and Hritik…
How is writing equations on a village school blackboard a disrespect to engineers ? Your mindset clearly shows disrespect for merit and the poor.
As for the actor, he might have been launched by his father but he has consistently worked hard for where he is right now.
Please make sense when you write articles for the public.
Hard to see the disresepect for engineers in the review. Easy to see the contempt for the makers…
It was a wonderful movie…..infact should be made tax free….some people are paid to criticize…..thats their job…..come above the Kabir Singh flick…..
A most shoddy and stupid review. Full of biases and uncalled for judgements. Best not publishrd.
Your review too is shoddy and disrespectful to the amount of hard work put in the film. Your types will go gaga over Bharat but not a brilliant portrayal of a realistic biopic.
MADHAVI POTHUKUCHI is trying to criticize and belittle a film and its lead actor by using phrases like “exam he sits for”, this is is disastrous English or a usage of language. sits for?? u r directly translating it from your local language to english. try to be a better reader and then give a shot at writing. Turning into a critic can wait for a lifetime. SITS for??? pathetic
So
You were not expecting gully boy hero to become an underdog winner and you were least expecting that in dangal too is it?
Wow.
What an unbiased review.
Of course it will be having flaws… But please don’t go to a movie with a pre conceived notion keeping the personal side of the people behind it in mind.
where is the review ? I read entire article but could not find film review? ! I think the writer is Kangana’s friend who has written her version. you bloody wasted my time and so frustrated that I am taking out my frustration writing this.
This reviewer is a perfect example of an Idiot, According to her if an actor has to play a thief, then the actor has to be a thief in real life also, B grade reviewers…….
He should watch it before writing..at least Jo accha hai Appreciate karo usko
Inspiring flim, great job by bahl and Hrithik. It inspire those who conspire by society and their conditions. Reviewer should not biased while reviewing the film and seems unprofessional.
Manoj Vajpayi, Pankaj Tripathi, Nawazuddin could have played much better. Hrithik acted superficially. He is better suited for action roles
Not clearly an unbiased review. Seems like the reviewer is obsessed with Hrithik’s superhero image and can’t imagine him as a common man.
Also, the comments on Hrithik and Vikas ‘ s personal lives are seriously not needed.
A thing or two is always good in every film but the reviewer failed to comprehend it.