New Delhi (India), May 31: The tagline of the film Chidiakhana boldly declares, “There’s a tiger in every underdog!” – signaling that this is an inspiring underdog story. We’ve witnessed countless tales of the underdog overcoming adversity, and yet, something draws us to every new one. Perhaps it’s because many of us have felt like underdogs at some point in our lives. When we see an underdog rise to success, it reinforces our belief that we too can overcome challenges, filling us with hope and faith.
The protagonist of Chidiakhana, a teenage boy named Sooraj, shares his journey throughout the film. Though the story unfolds through his perspective, this isn’t solely a children’s movie. On the surface, the narrative might seem simple, but if you’re familiar with films like Dil Dosti etc., you know not to judge the surface too quickly. Every character and situation in the film has its own depth. Each person has a past, motives, and is entangled in their own circumstances. Sooraj, when he’s nervous, begins to see the people around him as animals. These aren’t random creatures, but symbolic animals that reflect the true nature of the characters. This observation is not judgmental, but rather a curious exploration of identity – who does Sooraj see himself as in this menagerie? Is he a mouse, a squirrel, or perhaps even a tiger? The question isn’t about morality; it’s about courage. A true hero isn’t someone who’s never made mistakes; a hero is someone who rises in the face of adversity.
When Chidiakhana was first released, it was considered a “small film” due to its budget. However, it’s time to reconsider how we categorize films based on financial constraints. While it may not have the grand budget or star-studded cast of films like Lagaan or Chak De! India, it is just as captivating. The movie doesn’t emphasize, “I have a small budget, so I can only tell you a story of a boy from the slums”; instead, it conveys, “I want to tell you the story of a boy with a difficult background.” The focus is on the narrative, and the budget never feels like a limitation. Moreover, the VFX in the film is impressive – the animal faces have expressions as nuanced as the actors, making you question the quality of the visuals.
What makes Chidiakhana so remarkable is the way the story is told. It’s a beautifully crafted underdog story, where football plays a pivotal role – but not to the point of overshadowing the central message. Sports, especially football, are important, but the film also emphasizes the need to pursue one’s dreams with optimism rather than cynicism.
The performances by the cast are outstanding. Young actors like Ritvik Sahore, Avneet Kaur, and Jayesh Kardak deliver flawless performances, while veteran actors like Aanjjan Shrivastav, Govind Namdev, and Nagesh Bhonsle bring their expertise to the table. Rajeshwari Sachdev brings depth to the role of the vulnerable yet resilient mother, while Prashant Narayanan’s performance leaves you wondering why he isn’t seen more often on screen.
The music complements the film beautifully. The football song is playful and fun, but the lullaby Akkad Bakkad steals the show with its heartfelt lyrics.
Chidiakhana is a movie that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With its inspiring storyline, superb performances, and remarkable storytelling, it’s a must-watch.
Rating: 4.5 stars.
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Rajneesh Singh is a journalist at Asian News, specializing in entertainment, culture, international affairs, and financial technology. With a keen eye for the latest trends and developments, he delivers fresh, insightful perspectives to his audience. Rajneesh’s passion for storytelling and thorough reporting has established him as a trusted voice in the industry.
