Rockford

Remember Malory Towers, St. Claires? Say boarding school and immediately an images of tucked boxes, midnight feasts and long dorms come to mind. Well Rockford isn't Malory Towers but definitely confirms that boarding school is fun. The movie gives us a glimpse at life in boarding school in India, actually make that a boys school.

The movie is set in Ooty. Rajesh Reddy, the protagonist is a new student and the film is about his first year at school. The movie typically deals with the fears and apprehensions of being at a new school, the making of new friends, being homesick etc. There is no great plot or dramatic storyline just a depiction of day to day life at boarding.

Rajesh is an 'innocent' thirteen year old. Innocent being the key word here, for at Rockford the classroom is not the only place where he is educated. He is an excellent student topping the class. The rivalry between him and the old first ranker shows the competitiveness that exists today in schools. But sports proves to be his nemesis. He fails to make the gym test.

But this turns out to be a blessing in disguise as the assistant gym teacher played by 'Nagesh Kuknoor' he finds a mentor and an ally. They almost seem like best friends at times but you really wonder if it is ever possible to be that close to a teacher that he brings your girlfriend to meet you on your birthday as a surprise.

At Rockford Rajesh finds his first love in Mrs. Lily played by Nandita Das (a role frankly she is wasted in) though he has to share his love with just about half the school. The betrayal he feels when he realizes she cannot be his is almost heartwarming till of course he moves onto 'Malathi' the precocious young girl from the neighbouring girl's school. The boys attempts at romance and love is humorous. And at times you wonder whether school boys are really that obsessed with sex as they discover their manhood and grow up to become men.

To reveal any more about what happens will be taking away the fun. So go watch the movie especially if you ever want to know what your brother boyfriend is upto at school. This is an extremely enjoyable film, which leaves you nostalgic yet happy. And when you walk out of the theatre you'll have a silly goofy grin on your face, which you thought you outgrew with school.