Latest news with #Chidiya
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Chidiya review: This simple tale about badminton soars on hope and a lot of heart
One gets thrown off a bit, seeing Pahlaj Nihalani's (former CBFC chairperson) signature on the censor certificate as Chidiya begins. It's taken the film 10 years to see the light of day in theatres. The struggle for smaller films to find good exhibition and distribution continues—but it's finally available now. And thank God for that. The story revolves around two brothers, Shanu and Bua (played by Svar Kamble and Ayush Pathak), who cannot attend school due to financial constraints. Yet, they live a content life with their mother (Amruta Subhash) in a Mumbai chawl, alongside their kind-hearted neighbour Balai (Vinay Pathak), a spot boy in the Hindi film industry. Their mother, burdened by reality, pushes them to start working, and they find themselves employed at a tea stall on a film set. One fine day, Shreyas Talpade—playing himself—gifts Shanu a shuttlecock, or chidiya in Hindi. Thus begins a heartfelt mission: to play the 'chidiya wala game'- badminton. That, in essence, is the plot. Written and directed by Mehran Amrohi, the film's tone is optimistic. How one simple game becomes a boy's dream, shielding him from the harshness his mother endures, is both moving and tender. Vinay Pathak's Balai is a standout character — paternal toward Shanu and Bua, treating them no differently than his own daughter. The film chooses to believe that the world is inherently kind. From the neighbourhood tailor to the tea stall owner, everyone extends warmth. The only antagonist here is the circumstance, not any individual. It's important to remember that Chidiya was made in a pre-OTT era, when theatres and television were the two primary mediums of entertainment. The screenplay remains simple, almost old-school, but it's to the film's credit that it keeps you engaged despite the slow-burn pace. No small feat in an age of shrinking attention spans. Amruta Subhash delivers a compelling performance as the guilt-ridden mother. Svar and Ayush, the two child actors, hold their ground remarkably well against seasoned actors. Brijendra Kala, as the kind tea stall owner, lends dignity to his small yet memorable role. In closing, Chidiya is a gentle reminder of the power of small dreams and everyday kindness. It may not roar with dramatic highs, but it speaks in a sincere voice that stays with you.
India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Chidiya review: A tender tale of dreams, struggles and resilience in Mumbai chawl
Most of us will agree — after a hard day, nothing soothes the soul like a hot plate of ghar ka khana. 'Chidiya', directed by Mehran Amrohi, feels exactly the same. It's the kind of film that wraps around you like a cosy blanket on a cold evening, or a hug from a friend when you are low. A film that doesn't just play on screen — it quietly finds a home in your in a modest Mumbai chawl, the story follows brothers Shanu (Svar Kamble) and Bua (Ayush Pathak), who are thrust into adulthood responsibilities far too early after the sudden loss of their father. When a chance encounter with a game of badminton sparks a dream, they set out on a mission to play just one crowdsourcing to buying badminton rackets, setting up a net made of waste clothes, to cleaning an empty ground to create their own makeshift court — the boys battle life's odds with grit, innocence, and hearts filled with hope. Every time they inch closer to that one game, life throws a new hurdle — but they persist, hand in hand, with tears in their eyes and a smile on their faces. advertisement The film's emotional core lies in its relationships. The bond between the brothers, their recently widowed mother, a supportive uncle, and even a cousin — each connection is delicately crafted and deeply felt. Their interactions with the local tailor or the film set staff brim with warmth and authenticity, making the story seem like a lived Subhash shines as the heartbroken yet fierce mother. Her anguish at seeing her children lose their childhood is palpable, but so is her unwavering strength. The scene where she fights with a neighbour, scolding her children will make your heart melt. Vinay Pathak brings understated charm as their uncle — supportive in quiet, consistent ways. But it's the two young leads — Svar Kamble and Ayush Pathak — who carry the film with surprising maturity. Their honest eyes, raw emotions, and seamless delivery make them breakout stars. Their chemistry, especially in scenes with Hetal Gada, Inaamulhaq and Brijendra Kala, adds depth and emotional layers to the Amrohi also paints a vivid portrait of what working on a film set looks like — the chaos, the fatigue, the mythmaking. A scene where young Bua wonders aloud why it takes days to shoot a three-hour film is both hilarious and revealing. And Pathak's character claiming Amitabh Bachchan wants only him around while at work - a usual Bollywood brag by people who work with popular an age where content is abundant, but emotion often feels diluted, Chidiya is a rare gem. Honest, heartwarming, funny, and beautifully detailed — it reminds us of why we fell in love with cinema in the first place.4 out of 5 stars to 'Chidiya'.Trending Reel
Hans India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
'Chidiya' director Mehran Amrohi says he can never reverse engineer a film as per market demand
Mumbai: Director Mehran Amrohi, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming movie 'Chidiya', has said that he can never reverse engineer a film, and make it as per the market demand. The director, who is a distant relative of the late filmmaker Kamal Amrohi, spoke with IANS ahead of the film's release, and shared his opinion that film's shall be made keeping the heart of the story at the forefront. He told IANS, 'I will never be able to make a film like this because I write a film for a year, the market may change after a year, till then, my film will be old. So, I will never be able to work like this. It is my firm belief that if I want to make a film, if I want to tell its story, then I will write that story, and whatever story it is, on the basis of that story, its market should be decided'. He further mentioned, 'Unfortunately, there is a situation today, that the market is decided first, and then the story is written, and because of that, the films either look the same, sound the same, or the music sounds the same. If I make a film, I'll make it from my heart, and then think about how to market it. Only then will I be able to do justice to the film'. The director told IANS that only a handful films that are made in Hindi cinema appeal to this audience and make a mark. 'We have such a big industry, we make 200-300 films in a year, but you will remember 5 films, compared to the other 200-250 films, because they were made in a different voice. Otherwise, the market will decide that we should have a certain song, a certain dance, or action, and if we want our industry to flourish, we need to change how we work', he added.
India Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Actor Amruta Subhash on losing confidence for being rejected over skin colour
Actor Amruta Subhash recently recalled how she once faced colourism in school, which made her believe that she 'wasn't beautiful.' She recalled a dance teacher in her school rejected her from the dance group over not having 'light skin and light eyes.' Amruta admitted that during her initial struggle in her acting career, she used to believe that 'only fair women will become actors.'advertisementThe actor opened up about the colour bias she faced in her high-school days and even asked her mother to make her beautiful so that she could appear in a dance audition. The 'Lust Stories 2' actor, in an interview with Zoom, said, "We talk about women's empowerment, but many times, a woman only defames another woman. I always liked to dance. During my high school days, our dance teacher asked all the beautiful students to come tomorrow for a dance audition. I went to my mom and asked her to make me 'beautiful' to appear in a dance audition."While reflecting on how the dance teacher's remarks on her 'skin tone' made her insecure about herself, Amruta further said, "I asked her to see my dance. But she told me, 'You don't have light skin and light eyes. Hence, we can't take you in the dance group.' It took years for me to get over this insecurity."advertisement The actor also confessed that the discrimination she faced in high school also affected her morale during her acting journey. "When I was being rejected for films, I started believing that teacher who said that I wasn't beautiful. My confidence was so low, and I started believing that only fair women will become actors," she was last seen in 'Lust Stories 2'. She was also praised for her acting prowess in shows like 'Sacred Games Season 2' (2019), 'Bombay Begums' (2021), and 'Saas Bahu Achaar Pvt Ltd' (2022).The actor will next be seen in Mehran Amrohi's 'Chidiya', featuring Vinay Pathak, Svar Kamble, Ayush Pathak, Inaamulhaq, Brijendra Kala, and Muzaffar Khan in crucial roles.'Chidiya' releases on May 30, Watch
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Amruta Subhash reveals being sexually harassed by a big producer: ‘His hand was on my waist, I looked at him and...'
Actor Amruta Subash, who is known for her roles in Sacred Games and Gully Boy, recently opened up about disturbing incidents of sexual harassment she faced in the industry. In a recent interview, the actor revealed two incidents involving big names, while stressing on standing up against inappropriate behaviour. (Also read: Anurag Kashyap clarifies his statement about almost firing Amruta Subhash from Choked: 'I took her example because...') In an interview with Zoom, the actor recalled one such incident and said, "There was a producer of a play. I was climbing some stairs, and maybe my top lifted slightly, I didn't even realise. I felt something - a hand near my waist. I turned around and he was a big producer. I just looked at him and said, 'What did you just do? What was that?' And he just brushed it off pretending as if nothing happened. I said, 'I felt it. What was that?' Everybody was stunned because he was such a big name. He said, 'No no, your top just moved up,' and I said, 'It's none of your business! How dare you touch me there? You can't do that.'" Amruta mentioned that everybody else on the set was worried that she would lose work. However, the actor decided to standup against him because no one should have the audacity to touch her without her consent. In another incident, the actor described how she was tired of another senior, well known producer who would force her to drink with him every night. She avoided him for some time but one day, decided to confront the situation head on. "I banged the door open and entered. I knew people were watching. He was shocked. I looked into his eyes and said, 'Sir, you are my father's age. Why are you talking to me like this? What is your problem?' I said it calmly but directly looking into his eyes. He started getting awkward. Of course, I left the door open, not just for his sake, but for my safety too. After that, things settled down." Amruta will next be seen in Chidiya which also stars Vinay Pathak, Svar Kamble, Ayush Pathak, Brijendra Kala and Muzaffar Khan. Set against the backdrop of a Mumbai chawl, the film revolves around two young brothers, who aspire to play badminton while overcoming the limitations of their modest environment. Directed by Mehran Amrohi, the film is set to hit the theaters on May 30.
