Peepli Live review

A compelling satirical comedy from India

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An Indian Ace In The Hole, this satirical debut feature from writer/ director Anusha Rizvi unfolds in the fictional village of Peepli.

It’s there that impoverished farmer Natha (Omkar Das Manikpuri) is persuaded by his brother to commit suicide to bag the 100,000 rupees in compensation given to surviving relatives.

Picking up the story, the national media and politicians descend on Peepli, turning Natha’s fate into a sensationalist spectacle.

Drawing on India’s rural-versus-urban divide, Rizvi spins a dynamic, enjoyably-acted yarn that balances farcical humour with a satisfying seriousness.

Tom Dawson
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