Actor Riteish Deshmukh turns producer with ‘Balak Palak’ (also cheekily called BP) and along with Ravi Jadhav (‘Natrang’, ‘Balgandharva’) delivers a gem that touches upon the sensitive issue of sex education. With a release that’s aptly timed, this film is bound to stay fresh in the audience’s memory for a long time.

What’s it about?
A couple, Avinash (Subodh Bhave) and Dolly (Amruta Subhash), stumble upon their 11-year-old son Shlok’s porn collection. The incident takes them to their own childhood and they reminisce about their own naïve attempts to learn about sex. In a flashback, we go to 1985, where Avya (Rohit Phalke), Chiu (Bhagyashree Shankpal), Dolly (Shaswati Pimplikar), Bhagya (Madan Deodhar) and Vishu (Prathamesh Parab) read pulp erotica, peep into the bedrooms of newlyweds and watch ‘blue-print’ films to educate themselves about sex, since their parents refuse to discuss it with them openly. It takes the efforts of understanding adult Neha Tai (Sai Tamhankar) and Kadam Kaka (Kishore Kadam), who educate them about sex (referred to constantly by the kids as ‘dhikchik dhikchik’) being a beautiful feeling and not a cheap act like is portrayed in a porn film they watch called ‘Raat Rani Ki Shaitaani’

You’ll have a grin continuously plastered across your  face while watching the stellar performances by the kids. Jadhav directs them in a manner that makes their performances hit the spot without letting them lose their innocence. Far from being a boring lecture, the film delivers a clever message to the youth with superb comic-timing by the actor and laugh-out-loud dialogues (phrases like ‘Aapla Haath Jagannath’ replace Rosy Palmer). One particular scene from the film will make you recall that momentous time in your own life when you first discovered the curious world of porn.

A still from the film

‘Balak Palak’ throws up relevant questions about the silence of the conservative class about the ‘birds-and-bees’ phenomenon. Even today, sex talk is pushed under the carpet and speaking frankly about it is an absolute taboo.  ‘Balak Palak’ emphasizes the need for open dialogue between parents and their children.
 
Vishal & Shekhar have composed a memorable soundtrack for the film. We also think that Riteish Deshmukh’s stint as a producer might last longer than his acting, if he continues to keep producing films like these.

What to do?
Watch Balak Palak with your parents. It’s a complete family entertainer.

in.com rating: 3.5/ 5

For more reviews, photos and videos of 'Balak Palak' go here