I'd said this before and I'd like to repeat it here: If you don't have a star in your film, the story of your film better be the star attraction, the champ. CHILLAR PARTY may be backed by star names, but it doesn't have a 'star' to call the shots. Thankfully, the story of CHILLAR PARTY does the talking!
Children's films are rarely attempted in Bollywood, though film-makers often talk of luring not just adults but also kids when they plan a film project. Post KACCHA LIMBOO and STANLEY KA DABBA, CHILLAR PARTY attempts to focus entirely on kids. Eight kids stand up to a mighty politician, their mission is to save a dog that belongs to an urchin who's part of their group. The film actually advocates a message in the garb of entertainment: Children can bridge the class difference that's prevalent in the society. Honest intentions, indeed!
I've often felt that children are more impulsive, more courageous and have a completely non-manipulative approach towards life, unlike adults, and it is this quality that makes them take on the odds head-on. CHILLAR PARTY depicts the courage with which they stand up against their parents and also a powerful politician to fight for a just cause. The cause is most noble and if you're a dog lover [like me], you'd simply want to be one with the kids in this agitation and fight the unscrupulous politician tooth and nail. And that's precisely why CHILLAR PARTY works. It evokes the right feelings. It knocks on your conscience.
CHILLAR PARTY is not just meant for kids, but also grownups. Besides, as a film, it changes the perception that kiddie films in India tackle childish issues. This one, in fact, tackles a sensitive issue that plagues our society. Also, as a story, the film has its moments that make you emotional and euphoric, when the kids win the combat.
Unlike KACCHA LIMBOO and STANLEY KA DABBA, CHILLAR PARTY doesn't get into the serious zone, although it does tackle a serious issue. That's because directors Nitesh Tiwari and Vikas Bahl balance the dramatic portions with light moments admirably. At the same time, the film retains the innocence that one expects from films that have kids enacting principal and pivotal characters. Right from the time when the kids and the urchin have issues with each other to taking up cudgels against the wrong-doers, a number of sequences involving the kids have that certain spark that cannot be described in mere words.
The sole flaw is the placement of Ranbir Kapoor's song in the film. It's wrongly placed after the end credits. What a waste, since the viewers would've only made an exit by then.
Directors Nitesh Tiwari and Vikas Bahl have handled several moments with expertise. Drawing as good as real performances from the kids is an arduous task indeed and you need to hand it to the duo for not only choosing the right set of actors, but also making them look convincing in their parts. Also, I'd like to make a note of the dialogue spoken in the enterprise. It's exactly like the way we hear kids speaking in real life.
On the whole, CHILLAR PARTY is not just for kids, but for grownups as well. A story of grit and determination, it works not just as an entertainer, but also advocates a message rather strongly. A film that deserves to be tax-exempted so that it reaches out to a wider audience. A small film with a gigantic spirit... Encourage this one!
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/14130/index.html
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