The new Hindi-language short film Greater Kalesh (2025) is a compact, 52-minute family drama set during the Diwali festival. Directed by Aditya Chandiok and written by Ritu Mago, the film stars Ahsaas Channa as Twinkle Handa, who returns home for the celebration only to uncover long-buried secrets and family tensions.
Story Overview
Twinkle, living away for work, plans a surprise return to her family home during Diwali. But what should be a joyful reunion quickly turns into a whirlwind of arguments, revelations and emotional reckonings. Her younger brother’s relationship, her parents’ concerns, and even the ownership of the family home come into question. Through the festival’s lights and noise, the Handa family confronts multiple “kalesh” (arguments / conflicts) before they can arrive at a heartfelt reunion.
Cast & Crew
- Ahsaas Channa as Twinkle Handa — the returning daughter at the heart of the drama.
- Supriya Shukla as Sunita Handa (mother) — adds emotional weight to the family’s story.
- Happy Ranajit as Ranjan Handa (father) — reluctant to face change at home.
- Poojan Chhabra, Akshaya Naik, Aditya Pandey, Keshav Mehta among others in supporting roles.
- Editor: Vibhav Nigam.
What Works
- Relatable setting: The film uses Diwali as a backdrop, which both allows visual richness and makes the familial conflicts feel familiar to many audiences. As one review noted, it “feels like a warm hug this festival season.”
- Concise storytelling: At just 52 minutes, the film doesn’t over-stay its welcome. Many viewers found the runtime appropriate and appreciated that it didn’t drag.
- Good performances: Ahsaas Channa’s role anchors the film, and the ensemble cast supports the emotional arcs well.
- Emotional authenticity: Despite the conflicts, the film emphasises that messy families are still families — full of love, even when loud. One review frames it: “it’s a film about love … the kind that exists in the middle of a mess.”
Areas of Weakness
- Predictability: Some reviewers felt the story was safe and conventional for a family drama, offering fewer surprises than it might.
- Short format limits depth: While the 52-minute runtime is efficient, it also leaves some arcs a little under-explored. The film must rely on shorthand rather than deep character development.
- Occasional tonal shift: With family drama, comedy, secrets, and a home-eviction subplot, the film juggles several emotional registers. At times the transitions feel slightly abrupt.
Final Verdict
Greater Kalesh delivers what it promises: a heartfelt, light-on-its-feet family drama that resonates especially during festive times. It isn’t groundbreaking or deeply layered, but that’s also its charm. For viewers looking for a warm watch that mirrors the joys and chaos of returning home, it’s a strong pick.
If you enjoy films about Indian families reconciling during festivals, with a mix of humour and heart, this one is worth your time. Do go in expecting a simple story rather than a complex drama, and you’ll likely leave feeling quietly satisfied.
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