Review of Nukkad Naatak: A sincere portrayal of efforts to educate underprivileged children

The independent Hindi film ‘Nukkad Naatak,’ directed by Tanmaya Shekhar and now streaming on Netflix, presents a heartfelt story about the transformative power of education. The movie revolves around Molshri Singh, a passionate college student in Dhanbad, who runs a street theatre group aimed at helping the marginalized. She is joined by Shivang Rajpal, a closeted gay student, whose admiration for her dedication pulls him into social activism. When the pair are expelled for trying to help a poor canteen worker, the principal challenges them to enroll five children from the worker’s slum into school. Despite previous failures by professional social workers, Molshri and Shivang embark on this mission with idealism and determination. The film examines systemic poverty and the obstacles that prevent children from accessing education, while also highlighting personal journeys such as Shivang’s coming out and Molshri’s learning to temper her assertiveness. Nirmala Hazra shines as Chotti, a young girl clinging to her textbooks as if they were lifelines. With a runtime of 107 minutes, ‘Nukkad Naatak’ relies on sincerity and earnest performances rather than complex plot devices. It encourages young viewers to reconsider their priorities and invest in socially meaningful work. Though occasionally naive in execution, the film’s message and authenticity carry it through, making it a compelling watch for audiences interested in social issues and education.