Chidiakhana follows the story of Sooraj, a young boy from Bihar, who moves to a chawl in Mumbai with his widowed mother. Passionate about football and filled with childlike optimism, Sooraj dreams of playing for his new school’s team.

Faced with bullying from local gangs, classism at school, and the looming threat of losing their neighborhood playground to land developers, Sooraj must fight battles both on and off the field. His only escape is the game of football and his wild imagination, where he sees himself surrounded by animals — a symbolic “zoo” representing his inner fears and strengths.

Themes and Symbolism

Chidiakhana isn’t just a sports film. It delves into:

• Urban displacement and shrinking public spaces
• The migrant struggle in a fast-paced city
• Social inequality in education and opportunities
• The importance of mentorship and community

Sooraj’s imagination — where he envisions jungle animals like lions, tigers, and elephants — is a metaphor for his emotional journey. Each creature represents a challenge he must conquer to grow from a timid outsider to a determined leader.

Music and Soundtrack

The film’s soundtrack is filled with energy and emotion, matching the high-stakes football scenes and tender family moments. Traditional beats are fused with urban sounds, reflecting Sooraj’s transition from rural Bihar to metropolitan Mumbai.

Songs like “Le Balaiya” and other local-inspired tracks offer both celebration and struggle, keeping the viewer emotionally invested.

Performances

• Ritvik Sahore shines as Sooraj, bringing innocence, fire, and vulnerability. His expressive eyes and emotional range anchor the film.
• Avneet Kaur plays her role with natural charm and grace, adding lightness to intense scenes.
• Prashant Narayanan is intense and grounded as Pratap, balancing sternness with empathy.
• Rajeshwari Sachdev delivers a moving portrayal of a mother who sacrifices everything for her son’s future.
• Ravi Kishan adds strength and weight to the narrative in his brief appearance.

Final Verdict

Chidiakhana (2023) may not be a path-breaking film, but it is a deeply heartfelt and socially relevant story. It reminds us of the importance of community spaces, mentorship, and self-belief in a world that’s often unfair to the underprivileged.