Film: Chidiya 

Cast: Vinay Pathak, Amruta Subhash, Svar Kamble, Ayush Pathak, Inaamulhaq, Brijendra Kala, and Muzaffar Khan, Hetal Gada 

Director: Mehran Amrohi 

Rating: 4 Moons

Storyline

'Chidiya' is the story of two brothers, Shanu and Bua, living in a cramped chawl in Mumbai, who have dreams bigger than their world. When they dream of converting an old junkyard into a badminton court, their world starts to shatter due to the realities and responsibilities of life. How they cherish their little joys while struggling to make a living at a young age - that is the real beauty of this film. 'Chidiya' is a journey full of mischief, struggle and hope.

Acting 

It would be wrong to call Shanu and Bua (Swar Kamble and Ayush Pathak) child actors; they are far more multi-talented than many so-called stars. Watching them is nothing short of magic. Vinay Pathak (Bali Uncle) and Amruta Subhash (Mom) are superb as parents. There are small little actions which will make you cry at times. Hetal Gada is strong as a true friend, while Brijendra Kala is very real in his role as the tea seller. The casting is so amazing that it is hard to find any fault in it.

Direction 

Mehran Amrohi, the captain of the ship, deserves full credit for making this such a priceless gem. The film took seven years to release in India despite garnering international acclaim. Be it the realistic chawl or the old stove - there is a lot of detail and mastery in each and everything. Casting, camera angles and poverty, every aspect is so precisely perfect that this must be the reason why our ‘Chidiya’ was appreciated so much across the world.

Dialogues 

Some stories seem larger than life even without words. There is so much depth in the eyes of Shanu and Bua that every emotion is clearly visible - as if their eyes have become a conversation. Amrita Subhash's motherly gestures are so effective that she touches the heart without saying anything.

Music

I watched this film yesterday afternoon, but I have not been able to forget that one line till now - "Badal barse to aangan saja lena, mitti mahke to khushboo chura lena." Such simple beauty is rarely seen. There are two more songs in the film which are equally heart-touching. You will definitely take some very beautiful music for your playlist while going back home.

Overall 

‘Chidiya’ is a warm hug through cinema. Every moment and every scene is totally paisa vasool.