Barefoot To Goa

Barefoot to Goa is a 2015 Hindi Drama film directed by Praveen Morchhale, featuring an ensemble cast, which includes Sonu Chourasia, Ajay Chourey, and Farrukh Jaffar, among others. The movie showcases a heart-warming portrayal of human relationships, the innocence of childhood, and the disconnect between generations, in the backdrop of urban and rural India.

The story unfolds through the lives of two city-dwelling school-going siblings, Diya and Prakhar, played by Prakhar Morchhale and Saara Nahar. Their busy parents, played by actors Sonu Chourasia and Ajay Chourey, are so engrossed in trying to make ends meet that they barely have time to cater to the emotional needs of the children. The children share a deep and affectionate bond with their ailing grandmother (Farrukh Jaffar) who lives in a distant village in Goa all alone.

This soulful journey towards reconnecting with their roots begins when Diya and Prakhar unintentionally stumble upon a letter from their forsaken grandmother, who is longing to see her family and meet her grandchildren. The letter triggers stark self-realization in the innocent minds of the kids. They decide to mend whatever's left of this estranged relationship and embark on a journey to Goa, barefoot. The title of the movie 'Barefoot To Goa' thus symbolizes this innocent yet determined journey of love, sacrifice, and determination.

The narrative delves into the lives of its characters at both ends of this generational abyss, juxtaposing the simplicity of the past with the complexities of modern urban existence. Director Morchhale highlights the strikingly vivid difference in the lifestyle, mindset, emotions, and values of the two contrasting settings. Diya and Prakhar's adventurous journey, which they undertake, keeping their innocence, industriousness, and intuition alive, is a silent rebellion against their indifferent parents and a heart-rending reflection of today's society, where the elderly are often forgotten, neglected, or abandoned.

The film exceptionally comments on the harsh realities of life through brilliantly written dialogues that touch the heart and stay with you long after the film is over. It portrays a poignant picture of the emotional neglect our elderly suffer due to rapid urbanization and the blind race of material success. The sacrifices the siblings make and the challenges they face on their journey serve as a metaphor for the lengths one should go to uphold love and affection in the family.

Despite the seriousness of the theme, the director ensures the narrative doesn’t get too heavy. There are charming moments woven into the script, which not only provide comic relief but also endear one further to the characters. For instance, the kids' innocence is beautifully personified during their interaction with strangers, their adventurism, and their constant reassurance to each other. The bond they share with each other is a highlight - it warms your heart and brings a smile to your face.

The backdrop of rural India that unfolds as the children journey towards their grandmother's home is captures wonderfully, and the cinematography weaves a visual poetry that’s elegant and evocative to watch.

In conclusion, Barefoot to Goa is not just a film; it's a socio-cultural document that captures the changing fabric of Indian society. It is a tale of love and longing, peppered with moments of simplicity, innocence, and pure human emotions. The performance of the child artists, the veteran, Farrukh Jaffar, and the portrayal of urban parents by Sonu Chourasia and Ajay Chourey is commendable, making it a must-watch for all who appreciate serious cinema.