Festivals often bring families together, but they can also uncover hidden emotions, unspoken conflicts, and long-buried secrets. Greater Kalesh (2025), directed by Aditya Chandiok, beautifully captures this bittersweet duality through a heartfelt Diwali short film. With its cozy, familiar atmosphere and emotional undercurrents, the movie explores what happens when a daughter returns home to a family holding more than just warm smiles.
Released on Netflix, Greater Kalesh is a 52-minute Hindi drama that perfectly fits the festive mood while touching on themes of love, change, and reconciliation. Produced by Terribly Tiny Tales, the film stars Ahsaas Channa, Supriya Shukla, and Happy Ranajit in lead roles, offering audiences a slice of domestic life that feels both real and relatable.
Director and Production
The film is directed by Aditya Chandiok, who brings sensitivity and a touch of humor to the narrative. His direction ensures that every moment feels authentic, from awkward family dinners to the emotional outbursts that follow. Chandiok skillfully balances the joy of Diwali with the melancholy of family misunderstandings.
The film is written by Ritu Mago and produced by Vijay Subramaniam, Sharanya Rajgopal, and Anuj Gosalia. The production house, Terribly Tiny Tales, known for its storytelling in short format, creates a story that feels intimate and emotionally rich. The film’s music is composed by Anshul Thakkar, adding a soft emotional pulse that complements the festive visuals.
Cinematography by Shikhar Bhatnagar beautifully captures the glow of diyas, festive lights, and the bittersweet warmth of home. Vibhav Nigam’s editing ensures the pacing remains crisp, allowing the story to flow effortlessly in under an hour.
Cast and Performances
At the heart of Greater Kalesh is Ahsaas Channa, who plays Twinkle Handa—a young woman returning home to Delhi from Bengaluru for Diwali. Her character carries both nostalgia and guilt, representing the tug-of-war between independence and familial obligation.
Supriya Shukla, as her mother Sunita Handa, delivers a moving performance filled with maternal warmth, occasional frustration, and the weariness of unspoken truths. Happy Ranajit, portraying Ranjan Handa, brings depth to the father’s role, oscillating between affection and emotional distance.
Supporting roles by Poojan Chhabra as Ankush Handa (the brother), Akshaya Naik as Pankhuri, and Sangeeta Balachandran as the grandmother add to the layered family dynamics. The ensemble cast performs with subtlety, creating characters that feel like people we’ve all met—relatable, flawed, and deeply human.
The Storyline
The film opens with Twinkle’s unannounced return home for Diwali. Her arrival brings smiles and warmth, but beneath the surface lies tension. Conversations are guarded, glances are telling, and it quickly becomes clear that the Handa family has secrets simmering under its festive facade.
As the film progresses, small domestic moments reveal larger emotional truths. The family is considering selling the ancestral home—a decision that divides opinions. Twinkle’s brother hides a relationship he fears won’t be accepted. The mother struggles with being heard, while the father suppresses his vulnerabilities.
These conflicts culminate in what the title playfully hints at—“kalesh,” or chaos. But this chaos is the kind that comes from love; it’s messy, loud, and honest. By the end, misunderstandings are aired, emotions flow freely, and the family rediscovers what truly binds them.
The narrative doesn’t rely on dramatic twists or heavy dialogue. Instead, it thrives on authenticity—small moments, silences, and relatable conversations that make the story feel lived-in and heartfelt.
Themes and Message
At its core, Greater Kalesh is about communication and emotional honesty. It examines how even close families can drift apart when words are left unspoken. The film captures the bittersweet truth of homecoming—how returning to familiar walls can sometimes remind us of how much we’ve changed.
The festive backdrop of Diwali is symbolic. The lighting of lamps becomes a metaphor for illuminating hidden feelings, mending broken bonds, and finding light after emotional darkness.
The movie also touches upon modern Indian family dynamics—the clash between traditional expectations and contemporary individualism. Twinkle’s independence and her parents’ emotional dependence create a relatable generational tension. Yet, the film never takes sides; it celebrates the love that persists through disagreements.
Cinematic Appeal
The film’s visual language is gentle yet evocative. The warm hues of diyas, the sound of laughter mingling with distant fireworks, and the cluttered yet comforting interiors all evoke a sense of nostalgia. The pacing is tight, ensuring viewers stay engaged without feeling rushed.
Music plays an understated but crucial role. Anshul Thakkar’s background score mirrors the emotional waves—melancholic when needed, cheerful when the family bonds rekindle.
Overall, Greater Kalesh succeeds because it feels genuine. It doesn’t try to over-dramatize or preach; it simply tells a story that feels like it could be your own.
Critical Reception
Critics have praised Greater Kalesh for its warmth and relatability. Firstpost described it as “short, sweet, and just the way we want it,” appreciating its simplicity and emotional clarity. OTTPlay rated it highly, calling it “a warm hug that hits you right in the feels.”
Many reviewers have highlighted Ahsaas Channa’s performance as one of her most nuanced yet, and the film’s runtime of 52 minutes was seen as perfect for its narrative depth. While some felt the story was predictable, most agreed that its charm lies in its familiarity and sincerity.
Why You Should Watch It
- Perfect Festive Watch: The Diwali backdrop adds color and emotional warmth.
- Relatable Family Drama: Every Indian household will find a reflection of its own dynamics.
- Compact and Engaging: At under an hour, it’s ideal for viewers who prefer shorter, meaningful stories.
- Strong Performances: Ahsaas Channa leads a believable and heartfelt ensemble.
- Emotional Realism: It captures the highs and lows of homecoming with grace.
Conclusion
Greater Kalesh (2025) is a reminder that “home” is not just a place—it’s a feeling made of laughter, chaos, and love. The film brings out the beauty of imperfection in families and the unspoken emotions that Diwali often brings to light. With honest performances, relatable storytelling, and a comforting tone, it is a perfect festive watch for anyone looking to reconnect with the essence of family.
Watch Greater Kalesh on YoMovies – Stream this heartwarming Diwali family drama in HD and relive the emotions of homecoming, laughter, and light amidst the chaos.
FAQs
What is the runtime of Greater Kalesh?
The film runs for approximately 52 minutes.
Who directed Greater Kalesh?
It is directed by Aditya Chandiok and produced by Terribly Tiny Tales.
Who stars in the film?
The film features Ahsaas Channa, Supriya Shukla, and Happy Ranajit in leading roles.
What is the theme of the movie?
The film explores family bonds, secrets, and the emotional journey of reconnecting during Diwali.
Where can I watch Greater Kalesh?
You can stream the film on Netflix.
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