Director Saurav Palodhi’s forthcoming movie is all about pursuing dreams in spite of adversity. Named Onko ki Kothin, it will tell the story of a few people belonging to the underprivileged sections of society, who aspire to do good and change the lives of those around them for the better. As its title suggests, the film unfolds how one can attempt to overcome difficulties with practice and perseverance, no matter how unrelenting the circumstances. As with mathematics, a problem that seems apparently tough will no longer be difficult to solve if one stays focused, persists in their task and works with honesty.
The story of the film progresses along a few parallel threads which intersect and blend in interesting ways to take the narrative to its conclusion. Three children who live in a slum, have stopped going to school since the pandemic. However, they nurture immature, somewhat idealistic dreams of becoming doctors or engineers and serving society and helping the poor, not knowing that such lofty dreams can only be fulfilled with the best of education and opportunities. Surrounded by wealthy neighbourhoods to which they cannot relate, the children discover an abandoned under-contruction high-rise and start turning their dream into reality by ‘building’ a hospital little by little with discarded materials and scrap.
A couple, named Shah Rukh and Kajol, are in love, but unlike their Bollywood namesakes whose screen-romance would set the box-office on fire, their love affair is not looked upon kindly by anybody as they belong to different religious communities. Shah Rukh is a true hero to the kids, as they look up to him and believe that he can solve all their problems. His character will be portrayed by newcomer Prasun, a theatre actor of repute. A significant role is also played by Parno Mittrah, who portrays the character of Kajol in the film. According to Palodhi, besides her acting skills, she was selected for the role for her spontaneous and bubbly nature, which would be in tune with her character and perfectly connect with the dreams and stardom symbolised by the real Kajol of Bollywood.
Realising that many post-Covid school dropouts were unaware of the opportunities they were losing out on, Palodhi says he decided to make this movie to generate awareness about the necessity to bring them back to school and to ensure that they are able to explore their potential to the fullest. At the same time, it made him consider the possibility of writing a story where children, who are innocent, full of energy and with dreams in their hearts, remain undeterred by their poverty and lack of opportunities, and move towards their goals with enthusiasm and optimism. According to him, his main intent in making this film is to show that if one is determined, committed and is willing to improvise and innovate while trying to overcome limitations, they can reach a place very close to their goal, no matter the lack of economic support and the unlimited benefits that come with it.
Onko ki Kothin is expected to go on the floors in September and will hit theatres early next year.