Balak Palak

Balak Palak, an acclaimed Marathi language film released in 2013, dwells on the thorny issue of sex education in a warm and humorous manner. Translating as 'Childhood and Adulthood', Balak Palak paces the journey of four adolescent friends grappling with their advancing puberty and their newly-emerging queries about sex and sexuality.

The film, helmed by Ravi Jadhav, stars Shashwati Pimplikar, Madan Deodhar, Bhagyashree Milind, along with Rohit Phalke and Prathamesh Parab in pivotal roles. They offer a credible portrayal of innocent adolescence, their befuddlement rendering them both vulnerable and endearing to the audience. Jadhav, famous for his previous works like "Natrang" and "Time Pass", once again proves his mettle in developing a simplistic format to narrate a rather complex narrative wrapped in societal norms.

Balak Palak revolves around a group of friends - Avya (Parab), Bhagya (Deodhar), Chiu (Pimplikar), and Dolly (Milind), growing up in a typical Indian lower-middle-class neighborhood. Their mundane lives take a drastic turn when they encounter the world of adult literature locked away in a friend's closet. This leaves them with a luggage full of questions about the hitherto forbidden topic of 'sex'.

The conundrum is heightened when their curiosity is met with a wall of silence, reflecting upon parents' hesitance and awkwardness in broaching such topics. The absence of proper sex education in schools worsens the situation, making them victim to misinformation and leading them astray. The kids, with their innocence and growing anxiousness, pluck at the viewers’ heartstrings.

Their lives transform when Vishu (portrayed by acclaimed actor Shreyas Talpade in a special appearance), an eccentric man with a cool-dude persona, moves into their neighborhood. Vishu takes it upon himself to enlighten the kids, steering the conversation around sex education. He turns out to be an engaging and compassionate guide, helping the children understand the essence and importance of sex education while debunking their misconceptions.

The film is a rare gem, managing to maintain a light comedic tone while tackling a subject considered taboo in Indian society. Balak Palak neatly underlines the necessity for parents and educators to engage children in discussions about sex and puberty, addressing their vulnerabilities to misinformation and potential harm. Moreover, the film does a remarkable job of communicating a sensitive topic in such a way that both children and adults can comprehend and appreciate.

Performances by young actors lend credibility and authenticity to the movie. Shashwati Pimplikar, Madan Deodhar, and Bhagyashree Milind, along with Rohit Phalke and Prathamesh Parab, brilliantly embody the raw emotions, innocent expressions, and mischievous tendencies that are characteristic of that age.

The colorful cinematography captures the hustle and bustle of a typical Indian neighborhood, complete with crowded lanes, gully cricket, and boisterous kids. The use of local dialect and everyday slang enhances the relatability and authenticity of dialogues. The musical score, by Vishal-Shekhar, blends harmoniously with the narrative, contributing significantly to the overall impact of the film.

Balak Palak is an important film, a welcome departure from the mainstream narrative. It not only shines a light on the massive gap in India’s education system but also prompts deeper reflection on the part of parents about their roles in shepherding their children through the journey of understanding and accepting their sexuality. It awakens the viewer to the problems faced by the adolescents due to the lack of proper sex education, and it urges society at large to normalize and encourage open dialogue about sex and sexuality.

Balak Palak is an entertaining, educative and stimulating watch with its unique storyline, remarkable performances, and engaging script.