The early 90's of Bollywood was ruled by gorgeous and talented Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, Juhi Chawla,Karisma Kapoor and Raveena Tandon who set the screen on fire with their charisma and versatility in acting. If 90's has shades of commercial actors, the art-house cinema was creating strong impact with Shabana Azmi, Nandita Das and Konkono Sen Sharma ruling the roaster. Chalk N Duster brings the actors together from both world and gives you a well-intentioned well film but is mowed down by weak script.
Chalk N Duster tells the story of school teachers in a modern Kantaben High School. The school is governed by a Hitler-like principal (played by Divya Dutta) whose ultimate motto is to make money and bring in new teachers. In order to achieve this, she starts torturing the existing teachers. Things gets out of hand, when one of the Maths teacher (played by Shabana Azmi) is terminated and succumbs to the false allegations. Her fellow teacher and friend (played by Juhi Chawla) fights back with the school authority and hatches a plan to bring justice.
Directed by Jayant Gilatar, Chalk N Duster takes some times to build on you. As the title suggest, you watch the film thinking about the story on education, studies and students. Unfortunately, the film bores you with petty politics played in the premises of the school. The constant nagging between principal and teacher, the fight for equality and justice is non-stop and the melodrama will sag you down. Surprisingly, the film boast of some talents like Girish Karnad, Richa Chadha and Rishi Kapoor who comes to the rescue to the melodrama. None of the songs are good. Editing is below the par. Cinematography is average. Art direction is poor. However, what works is the timely and enduring performances by Juhi Chawla and Shabana Azmi. Both the actors play their part perfectly.
On the whole, Chalk N Duster has right heart in place but lousy direction and lose screenplay will disappoint you.
