Introduction
“Wah! Bachpan Ki Yaad Dila Di.”
How many times do we find ourselves echoing this thought? Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya does exactly that. Bringing back those days, the 10th standard board exams, to be more precise. When life was easier, well almost.
This series is a cheerful blend of all your childhood memories and the joy of teaching. Real teaching, communicating with students, and not endless documentation.
7 episodes of complete fun and goodness with KayKay Menon helming the series, as the benign Headmaster of Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya. Along with his mixed team of teachers ( a strict Hindi teacher who scares even the naughtiest children, a very timid science teacher, a gentle counsellor), the headmaster embarks on a mission for 100% results in Class X Boards. He has a hidden agenda behind the results, but then that matter is beautifully explained towards the end.
Why This One Shouldn’t Be Missed.
What I appreciate the most is that almost every issue that a teenager faces in his formative years has been dealt with. Addressed in a subtle and mature fashion.
For example, the episode in which the Kheer is cancelled from the midday meals. It’s just a small Katori, but then we realise how much the kids looked forward to that small portion. Or the one where the class topper has a nervous breakdown, suddenly declaring she doesn’t wish to appear for the exams anymore, purely out of the pressure from school and parents. It was hilarious to see the boys go on a protest, because girls usually take the trophy for the first rank.
The dialogues are mostly humorous, you will break into peals of laughter at the conversations between teachers and backbenchers. But yes, some dialogues do force you to pause and reflect, I guess, as a teacher, they’ll be forever etched in my memory.
But there’s one sequence that takes the cake. The best portion in the series, when the shy Sharma Maam faces the dilemma of teaching reproduction to Class X students. Boys and girls. She initially uses odd phrases to avoid discussion, but soon realises she has to take on the task. The solution she comes up with eventually is one scene you will always remember with a smile.
The school counsellor is a single father, and the chats he has with his teenage daughter are filled with emotions. His predicament in discussing certain subjects with her has been projected very well.
Acceptance is another factor that stands out in the series. The students who score very little, with a chance to ruin the 100% result dream, aren’t mocked or brought down. Rather, the teachers work extra hard for them, and the kids see that too, and respond responsibly.
Performances
Performances, oh, what do I say, every character is a treat to watch, and has something to contribute. KayKay Menon is brilliant as the gentleman cricketer principal, and so are Prasanna Bisht, Abhimanyu Singh, Naveen Kasturia and Annapurna Soni as the teachers. Deven Bhojani is funny as the goon minister. Special mention to Archana Puran Singh, liked her a lot.
But the Child Artists, they are the real winners. From the youngest to the eldest, every kid is real and relatable.
Conclusion
Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya is indeed an Adarsh Series as well. Rarely do such entertainers drop on OTT, telling relevant stories, talking of Gen Z psyche, figuring out the significance of equality and fairness. And mind you, all this and more with zero vulgarity, adult content or cussing. Need of the hour, I would say.
Does the Vidyalaya finally achieve it’s Mission Result 100%? Will there be a Season 2? I wouldn’t divulge more.
Cute, clean, comic and extremely positive, Adarsh Baal Vidyalya will brighten your day. A Must Watch.
Catch it on Amazon Prime Video
By Preethi Warrier
Preethi Warrier has completed her Masters in Electronics Engineering and is an Assistant Professor. She is one among the winners of the TOI Write India Campaign Season-1, for the famous author Anita Nair. She can be contacted at : warrier.preethi@yahoo.com
Truly bachpan ki yaadein taza ho gayi. I had to pause episodes just to laugh till my tummy ached.