Entertainment
Childhood Through Celluloid
This Children’s Day, let us revisit some great movies about children, because every child has a story, and every story has a power to inspire.
Poonam Advani
Over the years, films have provided young audiences with stories that inspire, entertain, and teach valuable life lessons. This Children’s Day, here is a list of some unforgettable movies that capture the essence of being young, the beauty of imagination, and the courage of innocence. From Indian gems to Hollywood classics, these films have made a significant impact on children and adults alike.
Stanley Ka Dabba
This 2011 Indian Hindi-language film directed, written, and produced by Amole Gupte, revolves around a young boy named Stanley (portrayed by Partho Gupte) who attends a school in Mumbai. Unlike his classmates, Stanley never brings his lunchbox (dabba) to school. Instead, he watches his friends share their meals. His teacher, Babubhai Verma (portrayed by Amole Gupte) is known for eating his students' tiffins and forces Stanley to bring his own dabba if he wants to continue attending school. As the story unfolds, the audience learns more about Stanley's background and the reason he cannot bring lunch, which reveals a poignant and touching reality about his life.
Trivia: The film was shot over a period of one and a half years, mostly on weekends, with real students in an actual school environment.
Sonar Kella (The Golden Fortress)
The classic Bengali film directed by Satyajit Ray is based on his own novel of the same name and features the famous fictional detective Feluda. The story follows a young boy named Mukul, who appears to remember a past life and speaks of Sonar Kella and hidden treasures in Rajasthan. Concerned about Mukul's strange visions, his father seeks the help of Feluda, a private detective, to ensure Mukul's safety. As Feluda, his cousin Topshe, and the light-hearted writer Jatayu travel to Rajasthan with Mukul, they encounter two criminals, Mandar Bose and Amiyanath Burman, who are also after the supposed treasure. The story unfolds with a thrilling chase, exploration of ancient forts, and a fascinating look into Mukul's mysterious memories.The film remains a remarkable example of Ray's ability to create engaging narratives that resonate with both children and adults, making it a timeless piece of Bengali cinema.
Trivia: Ray composed the background score himself, as he did for many of his films.
I Am Kalam
The 2010 Indian Hindi-language film directed by Nila Madhab Panda is an inspiring tale about a young boy's quest for education and a better life. The story revolves around a poor boy named Chhotu, who works at a roadside food stall in Rajasthan. Despite his humble background, Chhotu is bright and dreams of attending school like other children. One day, he watches a speech by former Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and is deeply inspired. He starts calling himself Kalam and adopts the values promoted by Dr Kalam—perseverance and a desire for knowledge. The film follows his journey as he befriends a young prince, Ranvijay, and strives to achieve his dreams against all odds.
Trivia: The film was made with a modest budget and was produced by Smile Foundation, a non-profit organisation, to raise awareness about the right to education.
The film was screened retrospectively on 17th August 2016, at the Independence Day Film Festival jointly presented by the Indian Directorate of Film Festivals and Ministry of Defence commemorating 70th Indian Independence Day.
Dhappa
The Marathi-language film that was released in 2018. The screenplay was written by Nipun Dharmadhikari, drawing from real social issues and presenting them through the lens of childhood innocence and the communal spirit within a housing society. The story aims to convey a message about embracing diversity and standing up against intolerance.
The story revolves around a group of children in a housing society who plan to perform a Nativity play during the Christmas season. Their preparations face resistance from some members of the community due to religious differences and social prejudices. The children’s determination to go ahead with their play becomes a symbol of resistance against intolerance and promotes the message of unity and cultural acceptance. The film emphasises how children perceive social barriers and their innocent yet powerful ways of challenging them.
Trivia: The director, is a well-known figure in Marathi theatre, and Dhappa marked his debut in feature films.
The Lion King
The globally beloved animated film from Disney is a 1994 animated classic which got a live-action/CGI remake in 2019. Set in the African Pride Lands, the story follows a young lion cub named Simba, the son of King Mufasa. Simba idolises his father and dreams of one day becoming king, but his uncle Scar, who covets the throne, has other plans. After Mufasa's tragic death orchestrated by Scar, Simba feels guilty and flees the kingdom, leaving Scar to rule. With the help of his new friends Timon and Pumbaa, Simba grows up and learns the true meaning of responsibility. Eventually, he returns to reclaim his rightful place as king and restore balance to the Pride Lands.The 2019 remake follows the same storyline as the original animated film, with photorealistic animation bringing the characters and African landscapes to life. It also features new versions of the classic songs from the original movie, with some updates for the modern audience.
Trivia: The voice of Mufasa, James Earl Jones, became iconic, and he reprised his role in the 2019 remake.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
The Steven Spielberg’s movie remains a timeless classic that transcends generations. It tells the story of a young boy named Elliott who befriends a gentle alien stranded on Earth. As they form an unbreakable bond, the film explores themes of friendship, love, and the longing for home. The emotional depth of E.T. continues to inspire children to embrace differences and shows that friendships can flourish even in the most extraordinary circumstances. The movie’s iconic line, “E.T. phone home,” still evokes nostalgia and serves as a reminder of the magical bond between a child and an alien who share a universal language of love. On Children’s Day, this classic serves as a beautiful portrayal of friendship, curiosity, and the unbounded potential of a child’s imagination.
Trivia: The director was inspired to create E.T. based on an imaginary friend he invented after his parents' divorce.
These films, each with their unique narrative, evoke the essence of childhood through different lenses—adventure, education, friendship, and resilience. This Children’s Day let us celebrate these stories that have inspired countless young minds and continue to resonate with viewers of all ages. They remind us that children are not just the future; they are also powerful storytellers who can teach us about love, courage, and the magic of the world around us.