Chhichhore

Chhichhore is a 2019 Bollywood coming-of-age dramedy directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The prized ensemble cast features Sushant Singh Rajput, Shraddha Kapoor, Varun Sharma, Prateik Babbar, and others who have all demonstrated their storytelling prowess in their individual unique ways on the silver screen.

At its core, Chhichhore tells a poignant story about the delicate dynamic between friendships and life experiences in the formative years of college life. Sushant Singh Rajput stars as Anirudh, a divorcee who is trying to navigate the rocky waters of parenting a teenage son. Shraddha Kapoor plays the role of Maya, Anirudh's ex-wife and college flame who also has an integral part in the overall narrative arc.

The narrative swiftly travels between the present day and the nostalgic journey of their past youth years, through the use of flashbacks as a narrative device, which aptly showcases the way past experiences shape the present reality. In this journey, we're introduced to a variety of characters from these flashbacks. Each character, with unique and distinct traits dynamically interact and form the essence of the storyline.

Varun Sharma as 'Sexa' instantaneously captivates the audience with his comic rendition of a college student, while Prateik Babbar nails his portrayal of the pompous jock Raggie. Tahir Raj Bhasin, Naveen Polishetty, and Saharsh Kumar Shukla also respectively deliver stellar performances in their supporting roles, carving individual, well-defined characters that create the mosaic of college life memories.

The film also puts forward a relatable and realistic portrayal of hostel life in India, along with all the spontaneity, competitiveness, and camaraderie that come along with it. The movie covers all aspects of college life including friendly competitions, hostel ragging, humorous pranks, intense rivalries, and romantic entanglements.

Chhichhore isn't just limited to the joy and merriment of the college days. It also delves into the subject of the high pressure and expectations faced by Indian youth when it comes to academic achievements, the stigma related to failure, and the impact it has on their mental health. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Anirudh's son Raghav, burdened by the pressure to succeed, makes a life-altering decision that forces the old friends to come together after years of separation.

Nitesh Tiwari, who also directed the critically acclaimed 'Dangal', masterfully marries humor, emotion and social commentary to deliver a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The movie successfully conjures up the spirit of youth and also nudges spectators to take a second look at how society perceives success and failure.

It's an emotional roller-coaster ride filled with fun, laughter, love, and life lessons that deals with triumph, tragedy, and everything in-between. It would not be a far stretch to say that Chhichhore echoes thoughts and sensibilities of other cult campus films like '3 Idiots' and 'Rang De Basanti'.

Chhichhore is also poignant as it's one of the last films of the actor Sushant Singh Rajput who tragically passed away in 2020. The film is a testament of Sushant's versatility and charm as an actor. His performance as Anirudh, with simultaneous youthful vigor and sombre maturity, strikes a chord with the audience.

The cinematography is appealing, capturing the essence and atmosphere of college life in its purest form. The editing is sharp with the storytelling transitioning seamlessly between the past and the present. The music and songs in the movie, while not ground-breaking, ably supports the narrative and fits in the university theme perfectly.

In conclusion, Chhichhore is an emotional yet delightful movie that delivers more than it initially promises. It brings back fond memories to those who have experienced hostel life while also providing a sneak peek to those who haven't. It's a heartfelt tribute to friendship, youth, and the unforgettable journey of life that keeps you engrossed till the end, while leaving you with profound life lessons and thoughts to ponder. A must-watch for those who seek an all-rounded cinema experience.