“Chhichhore” (2019) is a Bollywood film directed by Nitesh Tiwari, known for his previous success, Dangal (2016). This film is a comedy-drama that focuses on the themes of friendship, college life, and the ups and downs of life. The movie was produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and was a commercial success, both in India and internationally.
Plot Summary:
The film follows Anni (played by Sushant Singh Rajput) who is a successful architect and father to a college-bound son, Raghav (played by Mohammad Samad). The story begins when Raghav attempts suicide after failing his engineering entrance exams. Anni, devastated by the situation, tells his son a story from his own college days in an effort to teach him about the value of life and failure.
The story shifts to Anni’s college life, where he was a carefree and fun-loving student, surrounded by his close group of friends. These friends include Suhail (played by Saharsh Kumar Shukla), Maya (played by Shraddha Kapoor), Dolly (played by Tahir Raj Bhasin), Bevda (played by Varun Sharma), and Sushant’s character, Anni, who all become part of a group that calls themselves “Chhichhore.” They all have different quirks and unique traits, yet they form a tight-knit bond.
The story shifts between two timelines: the present, where Anni is trying to motivate his son, and the flashback to his college days, where he and his friends embark on a journey of overcoming failures and embracing challenges, teaching the importance of not giving up, and the power of resilience.
In the flashback sequence, Anni and his friends are part of a college competition where they face off against a rival team. Through their challenges, failures, and successes, they realize that it is the spirit of togetherness and perseverance that really defines them, and not just the desire to win.
The film is a heartfelt exploration of how failures can shape individuals, and how one can bounce back from setbacks. Ultimately, Chhichhore teaches that the true essence of life lies in the friendships you build, the challenges you face, and how you deal with adversity.
Characters and Cast:
- Sushant Singh Rajput as Anni: The protagonist, who relives his college days and shares his life lessons with his son. He was once a carefree student and now an architect. His journey is about learning from the past and teaching his son the importance of persistence.
- Shraddha Kapoor as Maya: Anni’s love interest during college days, who shares a deep bond with him. She is a determined and supportive character in both the past and present timelines.
- Varun Sharma as Bevda: A fun and quirky character who provides much of the comic relief in the film. Bevda is known for his carefree attitude and his love for alcohol.
- Tahir Raj Bhasin as Dolly: One of Anni’s friends who plays a crucial role in the story, contributing to the group’s strength and dynamics.
- Saharsh Kumar Shukla as Suhail: Another one of Anni’s friends who adds to the group’s energy. Each character in the group has a unique personality, but they are all united in their shared experiences.
- Mohammad Samad as Raghav: Anni’s son, who is struggling with the pressures of his future. His emotional journey and challenges in the present form the emotional core of the story.
Themes:
- Friendship: The film emphasizes the deep bond of friendship, not only in youth but throughout life. Anni’s college friends are an essential part of his journey, both in the past and present.
- Failure and Success: Chhichhore shows that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to success. The characters in the movie, both in college and later in life, teach the audience that setbacks are part of life, and it’s how you respond to them that matters most.
- Resilience and Perseverance: The story underscores the importance of perseverance, never giving up in the face of adversity, and learning from mistakes.
- Parenting and Life Lessons: Anni’s relationship with his son mirrors the lessons he learned during his youth, where he teaches his son not just about academic success but about dealing with life’s challenges.
Cinematography and Music:
The film’s cinematography captures both the youthful vibrancy of college life and the nostalgia of looking back at one’s younger days. The college campus setting is filled with energy, and the movie is visually appealing as it contrasts the carefree nature of youth with the more serious tone of adulthood.
The music of the film is composed by Pritam, and the songs blend seamlessly into the narrative. The title track “Chhichhore” is a lively anthem about not giving up, and other tracks like “Fursat” and “Khud Se Zyada” emphasize the emotional tone of the film. The music helps bring the themes of the film to life, amplifying both the comedic and heartfelt moments.
Reception:
Chhichhore was well-received by both critics and audiences. Critics praised the film for its relatable story, strong performances, and heartwarming message. The film was appreciated for breaking the usual mold of Bollywood films, focusing more on life lessons and less on romance or lavish song sequences.
The film also became a hit at the box office and was noted for its portrayal of college life and its mature handling of the themes of success and failure. Many people resonated with the film’s message, particularly those who had struggled with academic pressures or personal setbacks.
Conclusion:
Chhichhore (2019) is a thought-provoking comedy-drama that explores the value of friendship, resilience, and the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity. With a talented cast led by Sushant Singh Rajput and Shraddha Kapoor, the film blends humor with heartfelt moments, making it a must-watch for anyone who has ever faced challenges in life. It encourages the audience to embrace their failures as part of their journey toward success, reminding them that the best moments in life often come from the people who stand by us
