Chintu Ka Birthday Movie Review: Pursuit of happiness in times of crisis

Story: A Bihari immigrant family in war-torn Iraq hopes to celebrate the birthday of their six-year-old son Chintu (Vedant Raj Chibber) despite the political turbulence. The kid is oblivious to the consequences of war and the family struggles to retain his innocence. Review: What does a child care about war. If it’s his birthday, he just wants to have his birthday cake. Like me, if you too celebrated your birthday in the ongoing lockdown, you can perhaps relate to Chintu’s dilemma a lot more. Of course, his situation is far more dangerous but sentiment, pretty much the same. This is my day and I don’t want anyone to ruin it for me. Following the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, amidst American invasion of Iraq, an Indian family in dire circumstances wants to ensure their child’s happiness at all costs. How to keep smiling in the face of adversity, is the essence of this sweet little film with a big heart. Writer-directors Satyanshu Singh and Devanshu Singh tell a heartwarming story of resilience and compassion in times of tragedy. It’s all about savouring the little joys and making the most of what you have. We hear the film was several years in the making. Given what’s happening in the world of late, there couldn’t have been a better time for it to show up. Well intended, the director duo can be lauded for the provocative thought. Why is it so important to protect a child’s innocence? His belief in kindness will shape the future. Can Chintu cut his birthday cake in peace even as the American soldiers break into his home looking for insurgents? Despite the intent and relevance, the film’s duration is a big problem. A short film or play could have done better justice for a subject like this than a feature length film. The film drags and fails to evoke claustrophobia and fear that the story so strongly demands. Lack of tension makes things predictable and that doesn’t favour the film at all. Overall, the treatment feels a tad amateurish as well. All actors do a decent job. Over the years Vinay Pathak has become the poster boy of the modest, good guy on screen and he plays that character for the umpteenth time well. You will especially like how he says ‘aaj humara chintu ka ‘happy birthday’ hai. Birthdays are ought to be happy. At least that’s how most of us see it. Vedant Raj Chibber as Chintu is cute and Tillotama Shome and Seema Pahwa are real and effective. The execution requires a certain urgency and unpredictability. Absence of those elements makes this film a decent attempt but nothing beyond that.