Kia and Cosmos

Kia and Cosmos is an Indian drama film released in 2018. The movie, directed by Sudipto Roy, features an ensemble cast including the talented Ritwika Pal in the central role of Kia, along with Mita Chatterjee and Swastika Mukherjee in pivotal characters.

The movie's title comes from a unique amalgamation of the protagonist's name and the boundless cosmos. At the heart of the narrative is Kia (Ritwika Pal), a girl of 15 who embodies innocence, quirkiness, intelligence, and a vivid imagination. Kia suffers from Pervasive Development Disorders (PDD) and hence, struggles to interact with people and comprehend their conventional language. The complexities, confusion, and nuances of social interaction are a constant maze to her.

Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of her condition, the film strives to portray the world as perceived by Kia, which is colorful, vibrant, full of mysteries to solve, and full of stories to narrate. Her keen observance of small details, unique perspective on life around her and the charm that she exudes makes the character an absolute joy to watch. Kia's innocent glory is showcased beautifully on the screen with the help of a nuanced and heartfelt performance by Ritwika Pal.

The story unfolds in an interesting manner when Kia's favorite cat ‘Cosmos’ mysteriously dies. Inspired by her favorite bestseller 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time', Kia embarks on a journey to investigate the cause of Cosmos' death. The film vividly portrays her quest as a detective in her little universe full of peculiarities. The viewer is taken through her journey of unraveling the mystery while subtly unveiling the nuances of her unique perception of the world.

Parallel to Kia's investigation is her mother's struggle, played by Swastika Mukherjee. She portrays the role of a mother trying to hold and bind her world together while meeting the special needs of her child. The film subtly showcases the trials and tribulations of a single mother, her loneliness, and her never-ending efforts to make her daughter fit into the world.

Mita Chatterjee's role adds another interesting layer to the storyline. Her meticulous portrayal of her character further enhances the movie's immersive narrative.

Sudipto Roy employs a refreshing and sensitive approach to present this narrative revolving around a protagonist with PDD. Every frame in the film communicates a deep understanding of Kia's character and an equal respect for her world. The director's choice of visual storytelling complements the narrative splendidly, emphasizing the innocence and idiosyncrasies of Kia's world.

Kia and Cosmos goes beyond the realm of its central character. It subtly explores subjects like societal judgment, parental love, and the hard reality of an indifferent world. The movie dissects critical issues and deep emotions through its playful narrative, making it a unique movie watching experience. Every relationship portrayed in the movie is multi-layered, complex and deeply emotive, adding to the overall appeal of the storyline.

The soundtrack of the movie is another standout aspect, capturing the mood of the narrative perfectly. The film's background score succeeds in elevating the depth and complexity of each scene.

In conclusion, Kia and Cosmos is a beautifully made film that invites viewers to shift their perspective, to celebrate differences rather than perceiving them as disabilities. It is a journey into Kia's unique world – real, surreal, filled with mystery and intrigue, and above all, it is enlightening in ways more than one. The film underscores the idea that everyone has their own way of interpreting the world, something that we as a society need to understand and respect.

This cinematic contribution to the Indian film industry is a brave exploration of a rarely-dealt theme, and a heart-touching portrayal of a character that will stay in the audience’s hearts for a long time. With its picturesque visuals, strong performances, and well-crafted narrative, Kia and Cosmos makes for a rewarding viewing experience worthy of appreciation and recognition.