Pareeksha, written and directed by Prakash Jha, holds a steady narrative throughout and talks about the class struggles and systematic oppression under a very specific lens.

Based on real incidents, the story revolves around a rickshaw puller from Ranchi, Bucchi Paswan (Adil Hussain), his wife (Priyanka Bose) and their academically talented son Bulbul Kumar (Subham Jha). 

Bucchi’s only dream is to create a better future for Bulbul. He wishes to enrol his son in the most well-reputed private school in town, but the rich and wealthy conspire against him to prevent the elite image they have created for the institution from being shattered.

The central premise, as expressed in the movie’s title, is the examination. But it’s not just about a competitive exam between students. The real meaning of the title lies in the fact that it is a test of a person’s faith and patience to fight against the people who try to hold you back. 

The film deals with financial limitations and how they stop the majority of our country’s population from actualising their true potential.

Adil Hussain’s portrayal of a concerned father will tug at the viewer’s heartstrings almost immediately. He was tasked with the responsibility of portraying almost every parent in the world, who works tirelessly for a better future, and Hussain fulfils this responsibility gracefully.

In the light of a pandemic, the cracks and inequalities in our education system are more visible than ever before. With classes going online, many have pointed out that distant learning has its shortcomings in a world still struggling to accommodate students from different economic backgrounds.

All in all, Pareeksha: The Final Test is a well intentioned film that hits the right spot. 

4/5.