Onko Ki Kothin

I recently watched Onko Ki Kothin, and honestly, it's one of those films that stays with you long after the screen goes dark. The story centers on three children growing up in a Kolkata slum, dreaming of something almost impossible-a hospital of their own. At first, it sounds like just a simple plot, but the way the film unfolds, it becomes so much more: a meditation on hope, friendship, and the indomitable human spirit.

From the very beginning, I was drawn into the raw, authentic world of these kids. Their innocence is unpolished and real-they stumble over their words, laugh with pure joy, and struggle with hardships that many adults wouldn't dare to face. The child actors delivered performances that felt natural, not staged, and that made every emotion they displayed feel genuine.

The film's strength lies in its honesty. It doesn't shy away from showing the harsh realities of slum life-the cramped spaces, the lack of resources, the everyday struggles. But it never lets those realities drown the light of the children's dreams. Instead, it shows how hope can exist even in the most difficult circumstances. It's a powerful reminder that resilience often springs from the most unlikely places.

Musically, the film shines. Debdeep Mukhopadhyay's compositions added a deep emotional layer that enhanced every scene. The song "Ekta Golpo Bolo," beautifully sung by Lagnajita Chakraborty, felt like a gentle whisper from the heart of the film itself. It captured the longing and tenderness of childhood dreams perfectly. Another track, "Chaap Niye Labh Nei," brought an energetic and youthful vibe that reflected the spirit of the children fighting against the odds. The music wasn't just background-it was a character of its own, weaving emotion into the story.

Visually, the film doesn't glamorize poverty but presents it with respect and dignity. The cinematography captures the textures of the slum-the peeling walls, the narrow lanes, the vibrant, chaotic life-all with a sense of realism that draws you in. I could feel the pulse of the neighborhood, the community that the children belong to, and that made their dreams even more poignant.

While the focus is on the children, the supporting adult characters added depth and perspective. Though a few could have been explored more, their presence helped ground the story in reality. I especially appreciated how the film portrayed the adults as flawed but caring, showing that even in tough environments, compassion exists.

What truly touched me was the film's message: that dreams don't have to be grand or logical to be worth chasing. Sometimes, the simple, pure dreams of children are the most powerful. Watching the kids' journey made me reflect on my own childhood hopes and the times I felt limited by circumstances. It's a story that resonates universally, beyond language or culture.

In the end, Onko Ki Kothin is not just a film; it's a quiet celebration of innocence, resilience, and hope. It asks us to listen to the voices we often overlook and reminds us that even in darkness, a small light can shine bright.

I wholeheartedly recommend this film to anyone who believes in the power of dreams and the strength of the human spirit. It's a humble yet profound cinematic experience that will leave you moved, inspired, and hopeful.

A perfect example of pretentious scripting and bad direction. The characters falls far from reality. The background score is horrendously bad... The cinematography is an eye-sore....

The movie tries to touch the lives of working class, the closed schools after corona, the plight pf government hospitals, the interreligious marriages, while embarking upon an almost surreal journey of dreams coming true. But the unnecessary blabbering of main characters, the grossly and vulgarly sophisticated dialogues that fails to touch the innocence and social stature of the protagosts, the slow boring cinemascape and the bad actings make the fairly good idea a horrible failure. The class difference of the story-teller and the protagonists become so prominent that it causes irritation, if not anger. The last 15 minutes do try to make the film up, but becomes is too late and too little effort to win such a colossal failure...

Waste of money, time and energy.

I really appreciate the straightforward writing and its bold take on the societal issues that everyday people face.

However, I feel like the messages come across a bit too preachy, especially when delivered by the young kids on-screen. It's hard to believe they'd really understand the heavy topics they're talking about at such a tender age.

On the flip side, I found the simple, silly romance between Shahrukh and Kajol to be charming. Sure, it's a bit cheesy, but there's a sweetness to it that I genuinely liked.

Honestly, their relationship was what I found most endearing, not so much the kids.

Make no mistake, they did a decent job, and I wouldn't fault the child actors for the reservations I have, they did what they were simply asked of.

Still, I wish the director had allowed the children's innocence and naivety to shine a little bit more, perhaps the decision to involve them as 'messengers' for his societal commentary wasn't a great idea after all.

After a long time, I felt truly uplifted - this film is a breath of fresh air. A remarkable piece of storytelling, brought to life with excellence by the entire team. Every time I go to hall to watch any film I am always conscious about the camera work, lights, screen play etc etc. But this film was such an exceptional experience when I finished watching it I was deeply moved-it felt as though it had gently reminded me to hold on tightly to dreams, to the essence of life itself. For a long while, I felt immersed in its world, not as a distant viewer, but as someone living within it. This was no imagined tale or fictional escape; it was a raw, honest slice of reality. In a world where dreams are easily traded, often devalued, the film illuminated the quiet strength of true aspirations and the enduring light that shines through even the deepest shadows of sorrow and loss. Vibrant, inspiring, and full of life - an absolute must-watch.

"I watched a Bengali film at Nandan that was more than just entertainment; it was an experience that touched my heart. I laughed, cried, and reflected - all at once. The film's story is close to reality, and it beautifully captures the complexities of life without resorting to drama. The acting is superb, and each character leaves a lasting impression. Every actor delivers a remarkable performance, making it hard to single out any one person. I highly recommend watching it with family, especially kids - I promise you'll enjoy it. What resonated with me the most is that the film doesn't just focus on students; it offers a broader perspective on life and embracing struggles. The director has done an incredible job of storytelling. In the end, I can only say that more films like this should be made. Some stories are meant to be felt, not just seen."

Key Points

• The film is a heartwarming and thought-provoking experience.

• The story is relatable and realistic, capturing life's complexities.

• The acting is exceptional, with every character making a lasting impact.

• The film offers a broader perspective on life and struggles.

• The director's storytelling is commendable.

• The reviewer highly recommends the film, especially for family viewing.