Director Rajan Khosa and producers Children Film Society of India bring a delightful small film with a big heart to the big screen. Gattu is a young boy who works in his uncle’s recycling dump. In this small town, the one activity that binds children and adults across economic groups is kite flying. Gattu’s mission is to be the one to outsmart every other kite flyaer’s nemesis – the dominant black kite, Kali. His failed attempts and meaningless life get new purpose when he finds out that one way to beat Kali is to fly his kite from the highest point in the town – the roof of the school building.
Gattu now initiates a complex plan which begins with one lie and leads to several more being told in order to achieve this blind ambition – victory over Kali. Mohammad Samad plays street child Gattu, who begins to hope for a normal childhood with friends, school books and the guidance of nurturing adults. Cinematographer Satya Rai Nagpaul captures the drama of kite flying wonderfully, ably aided by the editor. Ankur Tiwari, Rajan Khosa, KD Satyam and Dilip Shukla’s script is short and sweet, delivering a message without become preachy or depressing. Resonances of Iranian cinema are unmistakable.
The performances are inconsistent and some story tracks remain unresolved. However, at less than 80 minutes, Khosa leaves you little time to question too much and delivers a film that is enjoyable for all the family.
Rating: ***
