Chidiya: A Unique Exploration of Childhood in Indian Cinema

A Fresh Perspective on Childhood

Mehran Amrohi's debut film, Chidiya, is set to have its all-India release on May 30, following its journey through various national and international film festivals. This film stands out as a thoughtful portrayal of children's minds, avoiding the condescending tone often found in similar works.

Typically, films featuring child protagonists tend to adopt a patronizing approach, akin to speaking to children in a babyish manner. Alternatively, we often see children depicted as overly precocious, behaving like miniature adults.

Chidiya breaks this mold. Its portrayal of innocence is striking, as Amrohi delves deeply into the psyche of children without forcing the narrative into a didactic framework. The performances by young actors Svar Kamble and Ayush Pathak feel genuine and unforced, as does the remarkable adult cast.

Amrohi's journey to this point has been a long one.

Shabana Azmi, a passionate advocate for children's cinema, remarks, “India lacks a robust culture of films aimed at children. While we have seen some exceptional works like Satyajit Ray’s Piku’s Diary and Vishal Bhardwaj’s The Blue Umbrella, they are far too few. Any film that captures the world from a child's perspective is a welcome addition.”