What Is the Story About?
When Prakash – a low-level employee of a hotel chain is transferred to Mumbai following the shutting down of its hill-town branch, his children Samay and Cheeni make efforts to stop their dearest father from leaving. This tender film addresses depths of familial bonds, togetherness, migration crisis and climate change in sweet and simple terms.
Performances?
One of the strongest assets of Tikdam is the relatable performances from its cast. Amit Sial, undeniably rules the roost with a very moving performance as he portrays a naive & loving father struggling to meet ends and a man pushed into migrant crisis.
However, the child actors make Tikdam as special as it is. Divyansh Dwivedi, Aarohi Saud and Arisht Jain are spectacular in this film with a child-like innocence in its fulcrum.
Analysis
Directed by Vivek Anchalia and written by Vivek Anchalia, Pankaj Nihalani and Animesh Varma, Tikdam is a family drama that envisages the goodness and naivety of hill-side living while also shedding lights on excruciating hurdles like Migrant crisis, unemployment, climate change etc.
Set in a small hilly town called Sukhtal, Tikdam follows a doting father Prakash and his two children. Due to circumstances and lower footfalls, Prakash who works at a hotel loses his job. Prakash needs to find a way to keep his days running as raising his kids – Samay and Cheeni come with huge challenges.
However, due to his unwavering commitment and hardwork, he gets an offer to work in the hotel’s Mumbai branch. Despite initial reluctance, Prakash is forced to make a tough choice – i.e leaving his hometown, children and family behind. Afraid of their father’s departure, Samay and Cheeni alongside their best friend Bhanu hatches plans to stop Prakash’s migration to Mumbai.
Tikdam is a simple film. There’s no hero entry, there’s no chest thumping masculinity or jingoism, there are no killer action stunts or picture-perfect romance in the hills – but a simple family trying to keep their days rolling while facing challenges in the name of Climate change, migration crisis etc.
Tikdam reflects the need for simplicity at the times of adversity. It asserts that it’s necessary to pause, view life for what it is, live in reality, cherish and rejoice the togetherness and little nothingness alike. Tikdam also puts light on some gravious concerns like climate change and migration.
Tikdam is a breathe of fresh air and a warm brew of nostalgia that audience has been craving for a while. It is touching and equally funny. The camaraderie between the actors make the film more effective than it already is. It does get a bit long and preachy at times, but is beautifully balanced by intent and genuine performances. To conclude, Tikdam is a well intentioned and honest family film that deserves a watch.
Music and Other Departments?
Cinematographer Parth Sayani captures the beauty and innocence of interior hill-side with perfection. Music director George brings in nostalgia and old-school naivety effortlessly and blends it with the narrative and theme of the film.
Highlights?
Simplicity
Performances
Relatable writing
Cinematography
Drawbacks?
Pacing
sometimes preachy
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Tikdam Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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