Peepli Live

Peepli Live (PEEPLI [Live], 2010) is an Indian satirical comedy-drama you can watch online on iFILM, directed by Anusha Rizvi and produced by Aamir Khan Productions — India's official submission to the Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film.

Natha is a small-time farmer drowning in debt. He and his brother discover a grim government loophole: families of farmers who take their own lives receive state compensation. When Natha announces his intention publicly, the village of Peepli is immediately overrun by television crews, politicians and media opportunists, each competing to broadcast the story. Nobody actually wants to help Natha. Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Naseeruddin Shah appear in sharp supporting turns that give the farce its edge.

Rizvi's debut never tips into cheap outrage. It just holds the mirror steady and lets the circus play out, with the tragedy underneath remaining visible the whole way through. Stream Peepli Live (2010) online on iFILM.