Chidiya Movie Review: Heartwarming Tale of Dreams & Struggles

Chidiya (2025) is a heartfelt slice-of-life drama written and directed by Mehran Amrohi, marking his debut after a decade-long journey. It stars Svar Kamble and Ayush Pathak as two brothers chasing a simple dream of playing badminton. Alongside them are Amruta Subhash, Vinay Pathak, Inaamulhaq, and Brijendra Kala, delivering grounded performances set against the backdrop of a Mumbai chawl.

Cast and Crew of Chidiya

Director & Writer: Mehran Amrohi
Producer: Faqhrul Husaini, Akbar Hussaini, Sudhir Kolte, Vinit Rukari
Cinematography: Vikas Joshi
Editing: Mohit Takalkar
Music: Shailendra Barve

Main Cast:

• Svar Kamble as Shanu
• Ayush Pathak as Bua
• Amruta Subhash as mother Vaishnavi
• Vinay Pathak as uncle Bali
• Inaamulhaq as tailor Taj
• Brijendra Kala as spot tea vendor
• Hetal Gada as cousin Ishani

Chidiya Movie Review: Plot Overview

The story centers on young brothers Shanu and Bua, whose father has passed away. Their mother Vaishnavi does odd jobs to support them, and to make ends meet, the boys also work at a film set, arranged by their uncle Bali. Their lives take a hopeful turn when they find a badminton shuttlecock—a “chidiya”—and decide to build a makeshift badminton court using sundry items from their chawl. The film chronicles their struggles, community support, and unwavering spirit to fulfill a simple dream.

Cast Performances and Direction

Svar Kamble and Ayush Pathak deliver natural, emotionally mature performances far beyond their years. Their chemistry as brothers is authentic and tender.

Amruta Subhash shines as the single mother, striking a poignant balance between fierce love and subdued grief. Vinay Pathak brings quiet warmth as Bali uncle, a spot boy who becomes the boys’ guiding light. Inaamulhaq and Brijendra Kala provide charming, grounded support in their small yet memorable roles.

Director Mehran Amrohi uses minimalism to his advantage—eschewing melodrama and ornate backdrops to highlight everyday resilience. He crafts moments of kindness, community, and hope, paying homage to the magic in ordinary life.

Technical Aspects and Tone

Vikas Joshi’s cinematography captures the intimate setting of the chawl and film set, making locations feel alive. The film’s visual palette is simple yet evocative.

The editing is paced perfectly, letting scenes breathe while maintaining emotional impact. Shailendra Barve’s score enhances the tone without overpowering it—silence often speaks volumes.

Chidiya Movie Review: Final Verdict

Chidiya is a gentle reminder of human kindness, childhood dreams, and community solidarity. It avoids drama and preachiness, focusing instead on small victories amid hardship. While the pace may feel slow to some, its emotional resonance and realism make it a rewarding watch.

Pros: Authentic performances, simple yet powerful storytelling, emotional depth.
Cons: Slow pacing, minimal dramatic tension—best suited for patient viewers.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
— A beautiful, under-the-radar gem worth supporting.

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