Ab Dilli Dur Nahin

Story: Inspired by Delhi-based IAS officer Govind Jaiswal’s life, the story chronicles the journey of a small-town youngster who aspires to be an IAS officer to provide a better life for his parents.

Review: Many people from rural areas travel to big cities to take UPSC exams with the hopes of becoming IAS or IPS officers. ‘Ab Dilli Dur Nahin’ is one such inspiring story of Abhay Shukla, who came from a small hamlet in Bihar. After clearing the prelims, he arrives in Delhi to prepare for the main UPSC examinations. He falls in love with Niyati (Shruti Sodhi), the landlord’s daughter studying medicine, to attend medical school in London on a scholarship. The film is about whether or not Abhay can stay focused and put in all of his hard work to achieve his dream.

Director Kamal Chandra’s film is based on Delhi-based IAS officer Govind Jaiswal, and it keeps true to the challenges of such aspirants for the most part. However, when Niyati and Abhay’s love story angle takes centre stage, the narrative shifts from his actual troubles with the reservation quota and other factors—all of which are briefly discussed in the movie—and instead centres on his love life.

The writer, Dinesh Gautam, fails to strike the correct balance in conveying Abhay’s fantasies and love life. The film’s opening sequence has Abhay conversing with Devesh Kapoor (Mahesh Bhatt), where he discloses his ordeal. Yet, his struggle fails to elicit sympathy or understanding for his character.

Imran Zahid is decent but is an odd pick as a young man studying for the UPSC. He looks mature and aged for such a role. With this movie, Shruti Sodhi, who has primarily appeared in Telugu and Punjabi films, makes her Hindi debut and does well. Mahesh Bhatt, as a motivational speaker, plays his part well.

The songs are forgettable, but Shrikant Asati’s cinematography effectively captures every nook and cranny of Delhi.

Overall, this 96-minute drama has the potential to be inspiring and motivational, but it becomes entangled in a love triangle and an IAS aspirant’s troubles. Skip it!