Bakaiti Review: ZEE5's Relatable Slice-of-life Drama Showcases Middle Class Struggles In Best Way

Rating- 3.5 Stars

Bakaiti Review: ZEE5's film "Bakaiti" offers a glimpse into the everyday struggles of a middle-class family. The movie highlights issues such as rising costs for essentials like education and healthcare, along with increasing taxes and a shrinking job market. Set in Ghaziabad, it tells the story of the Kataria family, who face financial challenges while trying to maintain their social status.

Despite not being impoverished, middle-class families have their own set of difficulties. They often struggle to make ends meet while maintaining a certain societal status without sufficient disposable income. This is the reality for the Kataria family in "Bakaiti," who can provide basic education for their children but cannot afford prestigious colleges that ambitious students dream of attending.

Middle-Class Struggles

The series revolves around Sanjay (played by Rajesh Tailang), the father who faces helplessness when he cannot send his academically gifted daughter to Mumbai for post-graduation, even though she has secured half a scholarship. As an advocate, Sanjay doesn't earn enough money and refuses to sell the house built by his father and himself.

Sanjay and his wife Sushma (Sheeba Chaddha) decide to rent out a room in their house. However, their children, Naina (Tanya Sharma) and Bharat (Aditya Shukla), are unwilling to share a room due to their need for privacy. This decision adds another layer of complexity to their already challenging lives.

Family Dynamics

The series also explores Sanjay's relationship with his brother, who runs the family furniture business and wants to sell their ancestral home. Despite disagreements, both families unite during difficult times. Financial tension is ever-present, but they navigate these hurdles together, showcasing clashing views and generational gaps.

A unique element in "Bakaiti" is the water motor in the house. It serves as an alarm during tense moments, signaling it's time to switch it off. Yet no family member is willing to climb up to the terrace for this task, adding humour amidst their struggles.

Emotional Resonance

The storyline takes an emotional turn when Naina goes missing after her father denies her request to study in Mumbai. Many middle-class viewers will relate to sacrificing dreams due to financial constraints. Those who've faced similar situations will empathise deeply with Naina's plight.

"Bakaiti" doesn't offer an extraordinary plot but touches hearts with its simplicity and relatability. It beautifully portrays how life can be harsh without financial means or influential connections. The film resonates with those familiar with making sacrifices due to family circumstances.

The film has been rated 3 out of 5 stars by critics for its heartfelt depiction of middle-class life challenges.