Batti Gul Meter Chalu is a 2018 Indian drama film. It sheds light on the issue of inflated electricity bills in rural India. It is directed by Shree Narayan Singh and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Nitin Chandrachud, Nishant Pitti, and Krishan Kumar. The film stars a talented cast including Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Divyendu Sharma, and Yami Gautam.
Why did Nauti date both S.K. and Tripathi?
The story focuses on three childhood friends: Sushil Kumar “S.K.” Pant (played by Shahid Kapoor), Lalita “Nauti” Nautiyal (played by Shraddha Kapoor), and Sundar Mohan Tripathi (played by Divyendu Sharma). The friends reside in Tehri, Uttarakhand. S.K. is shown as an immoral lawyer who earns his living through out-of-court settlements. Meanwhile, Nauti is shown as an extravagant fashion designer with a high opinion of herself. As Nauti decides to marry, she dates both of her childhood friends, spending a week with each other. However, things take a turn for the worse when S.K. discovers Nauti and Tripathi kissing, leading to heartbreak and estrangement.
The plot thickens when Tripathi’s small-town printing press receives an exorbitant electricity bill of ₹150,000 (US$1,900). This amount subsequently balloons to ₹5.4 million (US$68,000) in the ensuing months. Seeking a resolution, Tripathi and Nauti approach S.K. for help, but instead of assistance, they face ridicule. Left with no other options, Tripathi tragically takes his own life. This event serves as a wake-up call for S.K. After Tripathi’s death, he promptly changes his stance. He takes a stand against a privatized electricity company named SPTL which is responsible for the inflated bills.
Batti Gul Meter Chalu ending: Why did Tripathi fake his own death?
As the legal battle ensues, S.K. faces off against Gulnaar Rizvi, the lawyer representing SPTL. In a dramatic turn of events during the final court hearing, Tripathi resurfaced. He reveals his suicide attempt and the hardships he endured due to the inflated bills. The court rules in favor of Tripathi, clearing his bill and revoking SPTL’s license. Additionally, SPTL is ordered to compensate Tripathi with ₹1 million (US$13,000), and others with similar complaints receive ₹50,000 (US$630) each. However, Tripathi is sentenced to six months of imprisonment for attempting to deceive an insurance company with his fake death.
In the aftermath of the case, Gulnaar and S.K. are shown to have developed a romantic relationship. The film ends on a hopeful note, highlighting the importance of justice and the power of unity in addressing societal issues.
Who were the two bus passengers?
A distinguishing feature of Batti Gul Meter Chalu lies in its directorial innovation, where Shree Narayan Singh intricately weaves together multiple narrative threads. Particularly noteworthy is the incorporation of the monochromatic accounts provided by two bus passengers, juxtaposed against the vibrant hues of the main story. This cinematic technique serves to underscore thematic elements while adding depth to the overall film.
The identities of these passengers later revealed as Vikas and Kalyan, hold significant symbolic weight. Vikas, embodying the essence of ‘development,’ and Kalyan, representing ‘welfare,’ serve as allegorical representations of societal ideals. Their survival amidst a bus accident carries profound metaphorical implications, subtly emphasizing the enduring resilience of progress and welfare within the fabric of the nation.
