In the cinematic realm of “Farrey,” a colloquial term for exam cheating, the narrative unfolds in the familiar setting of an examination hall. Our protagonist, Niyati (Alizeh Agnihotri), emerges as a brilliant student securing the all-India #1 position in her tenth-grade board exams. Orphaned, she finds refuge with a compassionate couple, referred to as Warden (Ronit Roy) and Zoya (Juhi Babbar), managing a shelter home for girls under 18.
Niyati’s Academic Journey
Niyati’s intellect propels her into Delhi’s prestigious school, where the educators view the pursuit of IIT as a mere ‘rat race,’ aiming for their students to attain scholarships for Oxford. Despite being offered the same opportunity, Niyati’s path takes a twist when she aids a less academically inclined group, led by Chhavi (Prasanna Bisht), in cheating during exams. Monetary temptations entice Niyati to continue this clandestine assistance, especially since her guardians struggle financially to support her scholarship.
Script Analysis: A Desi Adaptation
Derived from the renowned Thai film “Bad Genius,” “Farrey” maintains thematic parallels but deviates in key aspects. While both films critique the education system, “Farrey” misses the emotional depth that defined the original. In “Bad Genius,” Lynn’s motivation stems from her father’s financial struggles, a narrative element replaced in “Farrey” with Niyati’s orphanhood and benevolence.
Character Modifications
The film alters crucial character dynamics, with Ronit Roy’s Warden lacking a name until the end, contributing to a disrupted narrative flow. Additionally, Niyati’s intelligence, established through her academic achievements, lacks the nuanced portrayal seen in Lynn’s character from “Bad Genius.”
Tension in Cheating Scenes
“Farrey” successfully recreates the tension during cheating sequences, deviating from the original but maintaining an engaging narrative. Though lacking some elements, the film’s visual appeal benefits from Keiko Nakahara’s polished cinematography.
Star Performances
Alizeh Agnihotri delivers a commendable debut, portraying Niyati with naturalness and depth. However, inconsistencies in Sahil Mehta’s character and underutilization of Ronit Roy and Juhi Babbar impact the overall ensemble performance.
Direction and Music
Directed by Soumendra Padhi, known for “Budhia: Born to Run” and “Jamtara,” “Farrey” expertly adapts its source material but struggles with a few narrative nuances. Sachin-Jigar’s musical composition, leaning into the Amit Trivedi style, provides a mixed experience, with standout tracks from MC Stan and a lackluster contribution from Badshah.
The Verdict
In conclusion, “Farrey” falls just short of being a faithful remake of “Bad Genius.” While adeptly emulating some of its strengths, the film’s original additions fail to match the impact, earning it a respectable but not exceptional two and a half stars.