Sixteen (U/A)

RATING- 2.5 STAR

·  Starring :

Wamiqa Gabbi, Izabelle Leite, Mehak Manwani, Keith Sequeira, Highphill Mathews

Synopsis

If you are appalled by the behaviour and how 'advanced the kids are these days', Sixteen is for you.

Critic's Review

Access to internet, social networking, smart phones and hefty pocket money have resulted in kids getting an early exposure to things that unknowingly shape their lives and determine their future. The more their parents preach or protect them, the more they revolt and crave for that sense of unwarranted freedom. Can the change in the value system ruin the lives of these teenagers or can they still take the right decisions?
Unlike most films made on youngsters, Sixteen is refreshingly real and extremely relevant in modern times. Thankfully, there are no standard teenage-film cliches like youngsters taking to drugs or other addictions, misbehaviour, rebellious attitude towards parents, etc.
Purohit wisely addresses the issues that deserve to be mentioned. Peer pressure, relationship issues, sex, unplanned pregnancy, academic pressure, suicide, MMS scandals, surfing adult content on the net in spite of being under 18...almost all significant issues are maturely handled and presented. Nowhere do you feel too much is being served at one go. Although sluggish pace is what dampens the impact, as the filmmaker slips into an artistic mode every now and then.
Casting is perfect. All the newcomers act well. Wamiqa Gabbi as Tanisha is impressive, Izabelle Leite is effective in spite of her voice being dubbed, Keith Sequeira lends that much needed subtlety to the story.
However, the film has its limitations. It focuses on the dilemmas of the rich kids, thus catering to urbane youth.