Review of ‘Back Bencherz’: A Vibrant Story of First-Row Scholars Transforming into Back-Row Rebels

A Unique Blend: Infusing Humor into a Thought-Provoking College Narrative

The impact of the iconic movie “3 Idiots” in Indian cinema is undeniable, leaving a lasting impression and serving as a wellspring of inspiration for numerous filmmakers. Director B R Rajshekar, a self-professed fan who has revisited the Aamir Khan-starrer nearly 50 times, draws from this cinematic influence for his latest project, “Back Bencherz.” This film seeks to evoke the nostalgic essence of college life, capturing the spirit of youthful rebellion and camaraderie with an intriguing twist of crime woven into the narrative.

“Back Bencherz” presents a fresh take on the classic college genre, skillfully blending humor, emotion, and youthful defiance to resonate not only with present-day students but also strike a chord with alumni reminiscing about their past.

The storyline of “Back Bencherz” follows the journey of a group of final-year college students—Arya (Ranjan Narasimha), Kush (Jathin Aryan), Vikky (Vikas), and Naveen (Namith)—whose academic routine is abruptly disrupted. The narrative unfolds as these students find themselves at Kalasipalya Police Station, accused by Police Inspector Vasu (Aravind Kuplikar) of a serious crime: the rape and murder of a woman. Amid their protests of innocence, the students are compelled to recount their tale, revealed through a series of flashbacks.

Initially diligent front-row students, Arya, Kush, Naveen, and Vikky undergo a significant shift after a clash with a female lecturer results in the college principal assigning them seats among the mischievous backbenchers. This seating rearrangement marks a pivotal moment; the once diligent front-rowers, now at the back, gradually find themselves drawn into a world of mischief and unforeseen events.

Back Bencherz offers a fresh perspective on college life by blending humor with a compelling storyline. It skillfully weaves together moments of light-heartedness with a deeper exploration of youthful rebellion and accountability, creating a mix of entertainment and insightful reflections on student experiences.

Rather than delivering a heavy-handed message, Back Bencherz taps into the nostalgic essence of academic days, paying homage to the defining moments of youth. The film, with its ‘A’ rating for mature content and youthful energy, opts for a more episodic storytelling approach, featuring a mix of engaging and meandering incidents.

While the film shines in capturing the carefree spirit of youth, it does stumble at times with repetitive scenes that border on monotony. The frequent shots of the characters in short shorts, though intended to evoke a sense of youthful freedom, can feel overdone. Additionally, the use of double entendre dialogues, while adding a playful touch, may not resonate with all viewers.

Manya Gowda, Chaturthi Raj, and Shashank Simha infuse the film with authentic energy. Suchendra Prasad, in a refreshing comedic role, embodies the director’s vision of youthful enthusiasm. Aravind Kuplikar, along with emerging talents, delivers performances that complement the film’s light-hearted atmosphere, enhancing the genuine college setting, even though the characters and plot may lack some depth.

Nakul Abhayankar’s music and Manohar Joshi’s cinematography truly bring out the lively college vibe in the film. However, despite its runtime of just over two hours, some viewers might find the film a bit lengthy, possibly not appealing to those looking for a more refined cinematic experience. Ranjan, who also handled the editing, could have considered trimming it down a bit.

Back Bencherz excels in capturing the carefree essence of college life. Despite a few bumps along the way, it delivers a good dose of humor and a nostalgic reminder of youthful adventures. Perfect for a cozy movie night with friends, it falls into the category of college dramas that can whisk you back to those wild and unforgettable years.

Film: Back Bencherz

Director: B R Rajshekar

Cast: Ranjan Narasimha, Jathin Aryan, Vikas, Namith, Manya Gowda, Chaturthi Raj, and Shashank Simha

Rating: 3/5