Smiley Films, in association with Reliance Entertainment, has officially unveiled the poster of Chidiya — a film that has already made its mark on the global festival circuit and is now ready to touch hearts across India. Set for a theatrical release on May 23, 2025, Chidiya is more than just a film — it’s a quietly powerful ode to the fragile, persistent dreams of childhood.
Written and directed by Mehran Amrohi, Chidiya emerges from the shadows of its decade-long journey with grace, humility, and unwavering emotional clarity. With celebrated actors like Vinay Pathak, Amrutha Subhash, Inaamulhaq, and Brijendra Kala joining forces with gifted child artists Svar Kamble, Ayush Pathak, and Hetal Gada, the film weaves together a deeply human story about finding hope in forgotten corners.
A Memory Etched in Childhood: The World of Chidiya
At its core, Chidiya is a poetic exploration of the lives of two spirited brothers, Shanu and Bua, who grow up in the vibrant yet constrained environment of a Mumbai chawl. When they stumble upon an abandoned junkyard, their imaginations take flight. What begins as a dusty patch of debris becomes, in their eyes, a sacred badminton court — a symbol of freedom, fun, and ambition.
With little more than dreams and the encouragement of their mother and community, the boys strive for something much larger than their modest surroundings would suggest. They aren’t just playing — they’re reclaiming childhood from the harshness of circumstance.
This delicate, humanistic narrative style recalls the best of poetic realism — intimate, grounded in everyday struggle, and filled with emotional resonance. Amrohi doesn’t just portray poverty or limitation; he celebrates the radical possibility of dreaming within it.
From Festival Favorite to Theatrical Release: A Journey That Mirrors Its Message
What makes Chidiya truly remarkable is the path it took to reach Indian screens. The film was completed nearly a decade ago, but its release was deferred — a fate that mirrors its own themes of waiting, resilience, and faith.
During this time, Chidiya quietly made waves on the international festival circuit, garnering critical acclaim and emotional connection from audiences across the globe. It was screened and celebrated at prestigious events such as:
Zlin International Film Festival (Czech Republic)
Cinekid Festival (The Netherlands)
South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF) (USA)
Spirit of Fire International Film Festival (Russia)
International Film Festival for Children and Youth (Iran)
Each of these appearances served as a small affirmation of the story’s universal power. In a world chasing speed and spectacle, Chidiya dared to be slow, silent, and soulful.
“A Love Letter to Childhood”: Director Mehran Amrohi Speaks
Director Mehran Amrohi calls Chidiya “a love letter to childhood.” In his own words:
“Chidiya is a film about dreaming with your eyes open — especially when life tells you not to. It’s a celebration of those forgotten by the city, but never by their own imagination. This film is a quiet reminder that hope is never out of date.”
That sense of timelessness permeates every frame of the film. It’s not rooted in a particular year or political moment. Instead, it captures something more permanent — the raw, unfiltered innocence of young ambition and the gentle strength of those who believe in it.
A Cast That Anchors the Emotion
The performances in Chidiya are understated, sincere, and deeply affecting. Vinay Pathak brings his trademark warmth and nuance, while Amrutha Subhash continues to prove why she’s one of the most versatile actors of her generation. Inaamulhaq and Brijendra Kala round out a cast that perfectly balances realism with poetic tone.
But it’s the young actors — Svar Kamble, Ayush Pathak, and Hetal Gada — who form the soul of the film. Their performances never feel scripted or performative; they live and breathe their characters with effortless grace.
The evocative score by Shailendra Barve further enhances the emotional landscape of the film. His music doesn’t overwhelm; it whispers. It guides the audience gently through moments of wonder, melancholy, and joy.
The Sky Finally Clears: Chidiya Takes Flight on May 23
In many ways, the story behind Chidiya’s release is as poignant as the film itself. A project made with sincerity and quiet confidence, it was shelved not because of a lack of merit, but because the market wasn’t ready. Now, after years of quiet waiting, it arrives like the titular bird — not rushed, not forgotten, simply ready.
With Reliance Entertainment handling distribution, and a growing word-of-mouth buzz among cinephiles, Chidiya could well become one of the most emotionally resonant theatrical releases of the year. Its arrival reminds us that some stories don’t need noise to make an impact — they just need the right moment.
Final Word: A Must-Watch for the Dreamers Among Us
In a cinematic landscape often dominated by spectacle, Chidiya stands out for its tender simplicity, emotional depth, and universal message. It is a film for the child in all of us — the one who once built castles from cardboard and turned alleys into kingdoms.
As India prepares for its release on May 23, 2025, Chidiya carries with it not just the hopes of its characters, but the dreams of its makers — that stories made with heart still matter, and always will.
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