Among Big Spectacles, A Little Chidiya Spreads Its Wings

Mumbai, May 29 - In an era where the theatrical business feels uncertain and dominated by large-scale spectacles, arrives a quiet exception, Chidiya — a small, heartfelt film that has taken a decade-long flight to reach cinemas.

Produced by Faqhrul Husaini under the Smiley Films banner and distributed by Reliance Entertainment, Chidiya is set to release in selected Indian cinemas on 30 May 2025. Written and directed by Mehran Amrohi, the film was completed nearly ten years ago.

The film had its world premiere at the Zlín International Film Festival in the Czech Republic — one of the most respected global festivals for children's cinema — and went on to win awards in India, Russia, and New York.

"It's a film that aged with grace", says producer Faqhrul Husaini. "We always believed that if the story had heart, it would find its place."

Set in a modest Mumbai chawl, Chidiya follows two young brothers, Shanu and Bua, who dream of building a badminton court out of a junkyard. With nothing but hope and imagination, their journey becomes a quiet metaphor for resilience and childhood defiance.

The cast features acclaimed actors Vinay Pathak, Amruta Subhash, and Inaamulhaq, alongside newcomers Svar Kamble and Ayush Pathak in standout child performances. The music, composed by Shailendra Barve and lyrics written by Mehran Amrohi and Jitendra Joshi, reflects the film’s emotional and lyrical world.

Backing the film's theatrical release is Reliance Entertainment, where Amit Awasthi says, "In today's time, only content is working — and on that front, Chidiya is very strong. It's a film that connects emotionally, and we're proud to support it."

With a runtime of 115 minutes and a U certificate, Chidiya will open in select cinemas with a regionally focused rollout. The marketing strategy stays aligned with the film's spirit — gentle, nostalgic, and discovery-driven. As major films chase noise, Chidiya hopes to find hearts.

Stay tuned...