Onko Ki Kothin (2025) [Film Review]: A Tender Hopeful Tale Where Kids Carry the Heart of the Film

Saurav Palodhi’s Onko Ki Kothin follows Babin (Riddhiman Banerjee), Dolly (Gitashree Chakraborty) and Tyre (Tapomoy Deb), three inseparable kids from the slums who dare to dream of running their own hospital. Faced with daily hardship — from interrupted schooling to the struggle for medical basics like oxygen cylinders — the trio decides to stop waiting for help and start building the future they imagine. Told largely through childlike wonder, the film is a simple premise executed with a surprising amount of warmth.

Story & themes — Innocence as agency

Poverty is the setting; imagination is the engine

At its core, the film celebrates how innocence, friendship and sheer stubbornness can become forms of resistance. Palodhi keeps the narrative grounded in the children’s point of view, which allows ordinary acts — shared meals, homemade celebrations, small sacrifices — to feel momentous. The screenplay by Soumit Deb privileges dignity over pity: even when these children encounter adult failings and structural neglect, the story returns again and again to their creativity and mutual loyalty. Thematically, the film balances hope and urgency well, though it occasionally loses focus to peripheral subplots that dilute the main thrust.

Direction & writing — Soft touch, occasional slackness

Delicate handling of tone, but the script could have been leaner

Palodhi demonstrates a clear empathy for his young cast and a knack for capturing candid moments that feel lived-in rather than staged. However, the movie’s momentum suffers at times when unnecessary diversions creep in; some comic beats don’t land, and several secondary threads feel underdeveloped. The film could have used tighter editing to preserve its emotional arc — as it stands, a few scenes meander when they should sharpen, slightly blunting the impact of the finale.

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Performances — Natural, affecting child leads and strong support

The young actors are the film’s greatest asset

Riddhiman, Gitashree and Tapomoy deliver performances that are both unforced and deeply empathetic — they inhabit their roles with a rawness that makes the film believable. Their chemistry is infectious, and their small moments of tenderness are the movie’s repeated rewards. Among adults, Ushasie Chakraborty makes a memorable impression as Dolly’s mother, while Sankar Debnath offers a quietly moving turn as Babin’s ailing father. Supporting actors add texture without ever overshadowing the kids, which keeps the film centered where it should be.

Cinematography & music — Visual sincerity, a score that lingers

Images and songs that enhance rather than overwhelm

Ankkit Sengupta’s cinematography captures both the cramped intimacy of slum life and the expansive imagination of the children. The camera often stays close, letting tiny gestures speak volumes. Musically, Debdeep Mukhopadhyay’s compositions provide emotional ballast: Lagnajita Chakraborty’s haunting “Amake Golpo Bolo” is particularly resonant, and the spirited rap “Chaap Niye Laabh Nei” energizes the film while reflecting the kids’ clever resourcefulness.

Flaws — When charm meets uneven execution

Small missteps keep the film from true greatness

While the film’s heart is in the right place, its structure sometimes wobbles. A few jokes misfire, and subplots add length without substantive payoff. A brisker edit and sharper focus on the trio’s arc would have amplified the film’s emotional punch. That said, these shortcomings feel forgivable next to the film’s sincerity and the warmth of the leads.

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Verdict — A heartfelt family film with genuine soul

Resilience, friendship and quiet hope make this worth watching

Onko Ki Kothin is an affectionate, family-friendly drama that finds its power in the authenticity of its child actors and a direction that respects small moments. It isn’t flawless, but its compassion and optimism make it an uplifting watch. Families and viewers who cherish stories of grassroots courage will find much to like — and leave with a soft, lingering sense that even modest dreams can change lives.

Overall Rating: ★★★⯪☆ (3.5/5)