Chidiya

Story: Young brothers Shanu (Svar Kamble) and Bua (Ayush Pathak) live in a cramped Mumbai chawl and dream of playing badminton. But their aspiration is constantly deferred as they’re compelled to work and support their widowed mother. The story captures their trials in chasing their dream, and whether they succeed.

Review: Writer-director Mehran Amrohi delivers a slice-of-life film that’s as feel-good as it is emotive. The story follows Shanu and Bua (short for Bhuvan), whose father has recently passed away, while their mother, Vaishnavi (Amruta Subhash), struggles to make ends meet. The boys are pulled out of school and begin helping her by delivering sarees to the local tailor, Taj (Inaamulhaq), after she finishes stitching the fall. It’s a bleak setting, needless to say, but the movie stands out for resisting gloom. What we get instead is an innocent yet poignant story of childhood, brotherhood, and people standing by each other. This spirit is portrayed throughout the film, whether the kids are trying to create a badminton court in their chawl’s compound or working as spot boys on a film set—a gig their uncle Bali (Vinay Pathak), also a spot boy, gets them. The characterisation is refreshingly grounded, with no dramatic antisocial or exploitative tropes—the most villainous character here is a bickering neighbour.

Themes of childhood resilience, hope, and community spirit shine through, keeping you invested in the kids’ journey toward a simple yet powerful dream—to play. Taj stitching up the badminton net with patches of clothes, a contractor letting them take sand and pillars, and a film crew member helping them with lights so they can play at night after their shift—all of it fills your heart with warmth. And the experience becomes thoroughly wholesome thanks to stellar performances by the leads and supporting cast.

Svar Kamble and Ayush Pathak are brilliant, and their spontaneity as performers shines through. They are convincing as brothers and as young boys with childlike desire. Amruta Subhash stands out as the hapless mother who has likely not had the chance to grieve her husband’s passing. She strikes a fine balance between frustration and deep love for her children, emoting with understated finesse. Amruta especially shines in a scene where she’s sending her children away on an outdoor shoot schedule for 15 days. Vinay Pathak is equally impressive as the loving and supportive uncle. One of the most poignant moments is the three of them discussing their loved one’s death and how the boys are struggling to process it. Inaamulhaq and his ribald talk as the ladies’ tailor (which never gets vulgar) and Brijendra Kala as the tea vendor at the film set also deserve mention.

Chidiya is a must-watch family fare, offering simple yet profound storytelling that warms the heart and leaves you smiling.