35-Chinna Katha Kaadu

Arun is living the dream; he and his best friend are inseparable, and he is getting through school just fine despite failing math. It all changes when his fifth-grade teacher believes math is the cornerstone of knowledge. As Arun struggles with the rapid changes in his life, his family tries their best to help him. Things worsen, and Arun's parents clash over the best approach to help him. With the fate of his family on the line, Arun decides to accept a challenge set by his teacher and pass the annual standardized math test.

This is an excellent family-friendly movie. The story gives a unique perspective on how a family approaches raising their children, educating them, and conforming to what society deems appropriate. The story also shares many forms in which children learn and struggle with learning. The movie is long, and some parts could be removed to streamline the runtime, but overall, it is still a great watch. This is an excellent movie for anyone interested in international films or wanting to see how different cultures approach learning and education.

"35- Chinna Katha Kaadu" is one of the most heartwarming and feel-good films I've seen in recent times. Set in Tirupati, it beautifully captures the emotional journey of a mother helping her son overcome academic struggles. Nivetha Thomas shines in a deeply moving role, and the film's honest storytelling, soulful music, and strong performances make it a must-watch. A simple yet powerful reminder of how love, support, and belief can change lives and how mother is a best teacher in the world. This movie reminds me school mathematics (tough nut to crack). If you enjoy simple, emotionally-driven stories about real people and real problems, this is worth your time - especially for parents, teachers, and students.

The film has a lot going for it from the get go. Casting and acting are mostly spot on. This is a great family movie. Where it really let's down is how the story lacks continuity at points and how it is rather stretched in some areas. The translation also potentially killed part of the story - I watched the tamil version which had lengthy dialogues that were very non-tamil sounding (which is the only giveaway that it's not a tamil movie).

The biggest sell for this movie is how it carries that village like setting all throughout without making it a part of the plot.

Jokes apart, an anurag kashyap style directing would've done some wonders.

35 Chinna Katha Kaadu (Not a small story) is a story of grit, love, belief and above all trusting ones ability.

Saraswati, played brilliantly by Nivetha Thomas, is a home maker who fails high school and is happily married with 2 kids Arun and Varun to Prasad, who works as a bus conductor in the temple town on Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Arun always ends up getting zero marks in maths and gets bullied by his teachers and classmates. But it is Saraswati's trust in him that helps him overcome this obstacle and obtain 35 marks to get a pass in exams.

Nivetha Thomas brilliantly plays Saraswati alias Chinnu who is fighting her own demons as she failed high school. She is the ultimate motherly figure who works with the kid to teach him maths. As they say, mother is anyone's first teacher and Nivetha proved she can be.

Vishwadev as a father who cares about his family and is pragmatic brilliantly played the role of Prasad when his situations question his pragmatism.

The kids are convincing with their innocence.

While the movie had technical issues with the choice of sync sound and not so crisp editing, it never fails to draw us in thanks to the brilliantly written drama and characters that resonate with us from the get go.

This movie is award worthy. Don't miss.

CinephileIndia2023.

This movie's got some serious vibes! The concept? Straight-up beautiful. Characters and plot? Built like a pro. The screenplay's got that slow-burn pace that totally fits the flick. Dialogues are on point, though a few scenes feel like they're draggin' a bit. A few scenes you might see coming, but overall, it's mad well-written and directed.

Nivetha Thomas? She's slayin' in her role, giving a killer performance. The kid actors? They brought their A-game. Vishwadev, Priyadarshi, and the rest of the cast? They did their thing just fine. Cinematography is pure fire-those shots are chef's kiss. Sets, costumes, makeup? All looking legit.

Bottom line? You gotta check this out-hit up the theaters or atleast catch it on OTT when they release it, but don't sleep on this one, especially if you're rolling with kids or parents!