Nil Battey Sannata(2016)
'Nil Battey Sannata' (2016) is a Hindi-language comedy-drama film directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari in her feature debut. Swara Bhaskar stars as Chanda Sahay, a single mother and domestic help, with Riya Shukla playing her daughter Apeksha. The story follows Chanda as she enrolls in her daughter's school to help her pass mathematics. Set in Agra, the film explores class barriers, maternal sacrifice, and the transformative power of education. Critics praised its realistic narrative, strong performances, and emotional depth. The film won the Filmfare Award for Best Debut Director and was remade in Tamil and Malayalam. It released in India on 22 April 2016.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Zee5, Eros Now
- Theatrical Release
- 22 April 2016
- Director
- Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 1h 44m
- Rating
- 7.8/10
Storyline
Chanda Sahay is a single mother who works as a maid to support her daughter Apu. Apu is failing math and has no interest in school. To save her daughter's future, Chanda enrolls in the same class. Now mother and daughter must study together, face humiliation, and fight for a better life.
“A mother's love is the best teacher.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Nil Battey Sannata
Cast reunions in this film: Nitesh Tiwari & Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Nil Battey Sannata' is a Hindi slang phrase meaning 'good for nothing' or 'zero'.
- Director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari made her feature film debut with this movie.
- Lead actress Swara Bhaskar learned to ride a scooter specifically for her role as Chanda.
- The story was partly inspired by a real-life news article about a mother who went to school with her child.
- The film was shot on location in Agra, using real homes and streets near the Taj Mahal.
- It won the Filmfare Award for Best Story, with the award going to the writers Neeraj Singh and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari.
- The young actress Riya Shukla, who played Appu, was praised for her natural performance despite being a newcomer.
Frequently Asked Questions
News & Stories
We all have a love-hate relationship with ‘zindagi’. Watch the soulful new song ‘Murabba’ from 'Nil Battey Sannata' starring Swara Bhaskar and Ria Shukla.