Chidiya Review: A Simple, Soulful Story That Revives Faith In Hindi Cinema

Chidiya Review: The film is a reminder of the art that has the power to save cinema from its financial and creative struggles.

It’s a sad irony that a film, which has received accolades at numerous international film festivals, had to wait for 10 long years to be released in its own country. Chidiya, made in 2015, is finally hitting the screens today, and it’s nothing short of extraordinary. Perhaps you’ve never heard of it — and that's another tragedy for cinema.

This review exists to prevent cinema from falling into oblivion, to ensure that quality films are celebrated, and to prove that Hindi cinema, or Bollywood as it's often called, is still capable of producing films that matter. Chidiya is the result of Mehran Amrohi’s heartfelt dedication, and his effort has paid off in the form of a film that revives the soul of cinema.

In a time when films are made more by numbers than by passion, Chidiya is a reminder of the art that has the power to save cinema from its financial and creative struggles.

Story

Chidiya revolves around two children, Shanu and Bua, who live in a Mumbai chawl. Their father is no longer in this world, and their mother has to shoulder the responsibilities of the household. The children’s uncle works as a spot boy on a film set, and their mother hopes that they too will be able to join the film industry.

On the set, Shanu and Bua catch a glimpse of a badminton shuttlecock — Chidiya — and they both dream of playing the sport. What happens next is something you’ll need to watch on the big screen to truly understand. The journey of these two young kids is heartfelt and inspiring.

Film Experience

This film isn’t just a story — it’s an emotion. To truly feel it, you must watch it with an open heart. The film is about two children with small dreams, but in today’s world, we’ve been conditioned to dream big. Gone are the days when even a new geometry box could make you feel like you’ve conquered the world.

Chidiya reminds us that happiness can be found in the small things, but only if we choose to seek it. Complaining and crying about our circumstances won’t help. If two small children can dream, why can’t we? Supporting films like this is essential — we can’t keep lamenting the lack of good films without supporting the ones that deserve our attention. If you haven’t done it before, now is the time to support such beautiful, small gems of cinema.

Acting

The performances of Swar Kamble (Shanu) and Ayush Pathak (Bua) are nothing short of outstanding. Their acting is so natural that you can hardly tell they’re performing, which is the film’s greatest strength. Hetal Gana, who plays the role of their friend, also shines in her part.

Amruta Subhash, who plays Shanu and Bua’s mother, continues to remind us why she’s one of the finest actresses in the industry. It’s surprising that the film industry hasn’t fully recognised her talent yet. Her portrayal in this role is yet another reason why she’s one of the best. Vinay Pathak, as always, delivers a stellar performance. He seamlessly enters each character he plays, leaving a lasting impact. Inamulhaq, who plays the tailor Taj, also wins hearts with his sincere performance.

Writing & Direction

Chidiya was written and directed by Mehran Amrohi, and the simplicity of the film is what makes it truly special. It’s rare to see a film that resonates with such heart, and Mehran’s personal touch is visible in every frame. He wrote and directed the film with deep emotion, which is perhaps why it took 10 years to release.

Today’s cinema is often made with logic and formula, which is why it’s sinking into bankruptcy. But Mehran’s film stands tall as a lifeline for cinema, saving it from this creative crisis