Saving Chintu is one of those films that you just want to wrap in a hug; the film too, in turn, is bound
to leave you wrapped in the warmth of its inclusive embrace. It is a heart-warming
exploration of love - both unconditional and conditional - between couples, friends, and
a parent and their child. 

There are two parallel stories, seemingly unrelated, that play out in the film. The first is of a middle-
aged doctor who is, in every respect, the very definition of a gentleman and, in general, a good
person. He runs a non-profit medical practice, gives up his seat on the bus to let a woman sit without
demanding any gratitude in return, turns a table fan away from himself towards his sick patient and
her mother, and is a loving husband looking to adopt a child with his wife – the sort of man that any
Indian grandmother would approvingly say was “raised right”. 

 The second story follows a gay couple
looking to adopt and raise a child of their own, with their heart set on a boy in India – Chintu. As we
watch the couple struggle with emotional conflicts, cultural obstacles, and complexities that come
with the adoption, and the doctor and his wife contemplate their own decisions regarding adopting
a child, the two stories eventually collide and merge together in a manner that is largely predictable,
but no less heartening and moving.

<h2>The film throws light on several important issues without ever exploiting them, or seeming preachy.
The stories and emotions are honest and real, enhanced by the brilliant and raw performances by
the film’s cast. It explores topics like HIV, discrimination and complications faced by the LGBTQ
community, adoption, and what it means to be a family, with a tenderness, authenticity, and
attention to detail that clearly reflects the effort put into research and how close these topics are to
the filmmakers’ hearts. </h2>

Naming the young boy Chintu itself is fascinating; it signifies someone being small and vulnerable –
someone in need of protection and saving. Being a common child's name in India, it also, perhaps,
signifies a lack of identity – someone like a child in an orphanage who might not have formally been
given a name. 

<h2>Watching the protagonists interact with the abrupt, clearly orthodox officials at the
orphanage is enough to unsettle you with disgust at the fact that most
government institutions in India are, in fact, run by people like him. It is further accompanied by horror at the plight of the
helpless children like Chintu who are dependent on them.</h2>

The film, at the end of the day, is more uplifting than it is upsetting. However, this doesn’t take
away from the fact that Chintu indeed needs saving, and anyone, irrespective of
their gender, race, caste, sexual identity or orientation, who is willing and able to provide this safety
should be allowed the chance to take care of him. At its conclusion, more than simply being a heart-warming, emotional film, it is also a reminder of the harsh reality that Chintus everywhere must be waging a battle against.

 
Written by Sanjana Bhagwat

Saving Chintu | Adil Hussain, Dipannita Sharma | Review

The short film is a very relevant comment on parenting and the manner in which household conflict can affect children. The frames are elegant and are supplemented by a convincing performance of the young protagonist. The narrative uses an approach which shows no adult faces, perhaps invoking a sense of isolation for a child in a world wrought by adult disagreement and turmoil. It further uses the metaphor of an earthquake to convey to the audience the sense of panic parental discord invokes in a child. The product is seamless and touches upon several issues that include anger, anxiety, panic attacks and loneliness in children. It is further a reminder of being wary of how adults behave around them.

Muddu Mudduga | Short Film of the Day

In its short length of under two minutes, the film has an important message to convey and draw the viewer's attention to a relevant aspect of familial dynamics. The story is of a proud mother, introducing an unnamed and unknown visitor to the many achievements of her talented daughter. However, is the reality truly as inspiring as she portrays it to be?

Showcase | Lockdown Film Challenge

The transition from childhood to adulthood is always immensely important, leaving the self with a changed perspective of the world. As the son of a widowed housewife finds a job, she knows it's time for him to learn some significant lessons of life. While he may not enjoy his boring home-cooked food, it's important for him to realise it's relevance as he begins the new chapter of his professional life. From parenting to empowerment, from childish demands to coming of age, from light banter to understanding responsibilities - Pocket Mummy explores all of these themes. It also portrays a mother-son duo as it navigates its way through life, finding happiness and strength in each other.

Pocket Mummy | Short Film of the Day

The film attempts a sincere engagement with child sexual abuse and skilfully engages with its subject matter to put forth the story of a little girl. Without explicitly showing abuse, something that could potentially be triggering, and perhaps even voyeuristic, the film still manages to communicate its message impactfully. The child, unaware of the ugliness that this world is capable of harbouring within, craves the time and attention of her parents. However, unable to partake in that, she instead finds herself going down a far darker road that is shaped and moulded by adult depravity. The plot is an attempt to draw the viewer's attention to the breakdown of the familial structure which further exposes children to abuse, assault and molestation. It does its bit to add to the conversation, and leaves the audience with images that will stay with them long after they are done watching the film.

Dirt  | Short Film Nominee

The deep infestation of technology and screens in our lives can have some severely detrimental effects, especially on young minds. Here's a short film that attempts a unique glimpse into the same problem. Rudra has grown up on routine sustenance of screens, be it a television or later a smartphone and an iPad. He has also found shelter in it when bored, distracted or simply trying to escape the arguments between his parents. The short film further attempts to portray how this has managed to isolate him from his peers as well as reality. Could such distance from societal interaction ever have a positive impact? The film answers it and delineates the extent to which technology can affect impressionable minds. However it falls short of living up to its potential as its attempts to explore a child's psyche remain unsatisfying and unconvincing.

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