Killa (2014) User Reviews

Simple yet deeply moving coming of age movie.

[the_wrinkled_mind · 9/10 · 29 June 2015]

Killa is a simple tale of a young Chinmay Kale and his short time in a village in Konkan, and yet it has so many layers. His anger towards leaving his old city, the loss of his father, the anxiety about living in a new place and meeting new people, the joy of making new friends and being accepted and finally the realization of his mother's importance, her grief, her struggles and acceptance of his own life.

All of the above is showed beautifully --- without exploiting any emotion or incident by overplaying the drama. Despite of that, every scene grabs you and your attention.

Debut film-maker Avinash Arun has done a fantastic job with direction and cinematography. But then again the canvas to work with was also beautiful. As someone who has a house in Konkan I can vouch for its beauty. Its white-sand beaches, clear blue seas, gorgeous light houses and lots and lots of coconut trees. Goa maybe the go to destination for many, but there are many hidden gems above in Maharashtra on that coastal line.

Amruta Subhash has done a good job, but that is expected from an actress of her caliber. But the movie belongs to the kids. They are the ones who surprise you and all of them are amazing. Parth Bhalerao will take all the credits for his role as the naughty Bandya, but Archit Deodhar (who played Chinmay Kale), Gaurish Gawade, etc are all brilliant as well. A special mention must be made to Umesh Jagtap who has a very small role of a drunk fisherman and he still leaves a mark.

Killa makes you laugh a lot and makes you sad in places, but best of all it takes you back to your own childhood, which would have been sprinkled with similar moments and friends.

An honest movie which makes you nostalgic if you are one of the 90s kids

[jagdishghuge007 · 9/10 · 26 June 2015]

Having spent my childhood in Konkan, I couldn't resist getting nostalgic feeling throughout the movie. The movie goes on in a smooth rhythm. All the characters and the events feel so real. All the actors are perfect in their respective roles.

In many scenes the surroundings speak more than the dialogs. Although, I thought the Marathi language was not exactly how people from Konkan would speak.

The photography is very beautiful. Especially the monsoon and the sea are shot beautifully. The sequence shot on the fort was a delight to watch. It is one of those few movies which stays with you even after it is over!

Must Watch. Scenic Beauty at its best.

[KunalDevmane · 9/10 · 6 July 2015]

The movie doesn't require language to understand the plot. It seems like a rhythm without music. It is an experience everyone should have. Marathi film industry has proved again that creating a Masterpiece is not a work of money but it requires immense Talent and hard work. The film was appreciated by many international institutions and released late in India, but still it carries wisdom in its every frame.

ExcelVision has another huge feature on its crown by welcoming Mr. Avinash Arun (Director) in Marathi film industry. Very happy with the overall performance and humor. Not finding much to say, but urge everyone to watch KILLA once for the beauty of Mother Nature and excellent roles by the kids in the film.

Very proud to be from Maharashtra. This will be the first Marathi film which I have rated 9/10 on IMDb. Keep up the good work.

Go and revisit yourself and relive those golden days of your childhood and school life.

[SAMTHEBESTEST · 8/10 · 26 June 2015]

KILLA REVIEW- Wow is the only word when i left theater. Eagerly waiting for this movie because of its pre-release buzz and national award. So obviously expectations were high but i was expecting only quality or meaningful msg and film fulfill my expectations rather gave me surprise with its entertainment entertainment and entertainment. Shockingly film entertained me lot force me to laugh out loud and to throw whistles and claps to many scenes and dialogues. When you hear film has got national award we cant expect an entertaining film like there are films like Court from which we expected quality and it had quality overloaded.Films like this impresses us but fails to entertain but KILLA impresses us and entertain as well. Story starts with a simple plot a boy and his widow mother shifts to a small village due to her promotion in her government job. But the boy is not feeling friendly here in this village he is missing his cousin brother his uncle and his old place. He like to be silent always. Then he see a boys group having fun,doing naughty things,their vulgar conversation and how they are enjoying their lives. He starts to involve himself into that group and tries to be naughty like them but without leaving his interest in studies. One day they all go to a fort for a race but due to some misunderstanding and miss communication some circumstances comes into their friendship. And from here on story becomes meaningful that how the boy starts being smart and responsible. With the meaningful climax film ends on strong note. Acting is so natural that we all will fall in love with these boys. Each and every scene in school,their activities,dialogues are so natural. Audience were shouting, whistling, and clapping for those scenes. Really the most loved part of the film for me. Screenplay is tight and entertaining. With narrow runtime its completely enjoyable. There are no songs in the movie so cant talk about music but background music is impactful for scenes. I personally feel Sound work is awesome because whenever some vulgar words comes then sound goes low and we have to read subtitles to understand it. Camera work is good. Camera man succeeded in capturing beauty of nature. Direction wins the race here. I heard its his debut film but i just couldn't believe it after watching movie. He has done clap worthy job and i want to thank him for giving us such beautiful film. Final words,KILLA is masterpiece yet entertaining. Must watch for all ages and all kind of audiences like masses and classes. Classes will enjoy it and get some msg from the movie and masses will enjoy it if they doesn't understand the quality of film. Go and revisit your childhood and those golden moments of your school life. Kudos to the entire team of KILLA and thank you all from the bottom of my heart for giving yet another quality film to marathi cinema. 8 * Stars by me.

Lovely film, reminiscent of Swami & Friends.

[ravenus · 8/10 · 9 October 2015]

Last night I caught this charming Marathi film 'Killa - The Fort'. I feel sorry over having missed this in the cinema. Oh well, at least DVD. Captured from the world-view of young Chinmay (Archit Deodhar) after he moves to a new town on account of his widowed mum's job transfer, the film strongly reminds me of RK Narayan's wonderful novel 'Swami & Friends'. With that literary classic it shares a gentle observational tone, the episodic nature of events told and the ability to see things from a child's point of view. The performances of the young actors are spot on (as also the adults, especially the lovely Amruta Subhash as Chinmay's mum), and although there's never any major unpleasantness, it doesn't try to sugarcoat / idealize the behavior of the kids or talk down to them. It also reminds me slightly of Francois Truffaut's 'The 400 Blows', though a lot more positive in its outlook.

Director Avinash Arun is also the DoP and he does a fabulous job, especially when capturing nature. The shots of dark clouds overhanging the titular fort and the subsequent shower are hugely atmospheric. Editing is also unobtrusively fine, and while there are no songs (thankfully) a lovely melodic instrumental score permeates several moments of the film.

The DVD from Video Palace is good. The image is somewhat soft but seems intentional in the cinematography. No extras, which is a bit of a bummer, but there's a short message from the director on the inside of the (nicely done) digipack talking about his childhood and how it inspired him to make the movie. On the whole highly recommended, unless you only see 100 crore movies.

An Ultimate journey of nostalgia. The film is like a well composed & programmed song, you don't have to see the film, you need to feel it to experience it.

[Shoneel_Director · 10/10 · 24 June 2015]

Avinash Arun, the guy once did a production work in a film which starred Amruta Subhash. And a few years later she walks in as the leading lady of Avinash's debut feature film.

Killa talks a lot about growing up and adapting to the changes in our lives. It talks about accepting them and moving on. I loved the film. Though it is not like, no else has given us anything like that, there is something very unique and special in this film. Maybe because it is out of the pure nostalgia of the director himself, maybe because of the outstanding performances by all the kids in the film, or maybe because the director himself shot this film and became the eye for us to show his mind.

There are many aspects that we go through as the film proceeds, the early teenage mind is read very well by the writers and they have put up a great blend of eagerness, curiosity, enthusiasm and ego in the kids who are the functional plot of this film.

The mother-son relationship and it's growth is the backdrop plot. The family and Chinmay (Archit Deodhar) the protagonist's lost father and Chinmay's difficulties of what to express and when to keep quite plus adapting t the new place after his mother's transfer. The film takes us through the dilemma-tic journey of Chinmay who is torn between the two worlds of being a responsible man of the house and being a child to live his childhood, between the son to crib for a cycle and the parent for a hidden stray dog. And similarly the mother torn between being a mother and the government servicewoman, between being a father to Chinmay and being a Friend and most importantly being strict and being silent.

The performances are up to the mark, the technicians have given more than hundred percent to the film and music is tripping as well as refreshing.

Killa is one of the realization film which can calm you down from inside but inspire you to make this calmness worth its time.

A poignant and sensitive tale of growing up :)

[sukhada-chaudhary · 8/10 · 29 June 2015]

There are many pieces of art that touch your heart, but only some of them can hit you personally, make you feel that whatever happened to you is universal – that something can be intensely personal and shared at the same time. Killa is the latter – a fine piece of art made with such loving attention to detail that hits and stings your heart.

Made by cinematographer Avinash Arun, this national award winning film is a moving tribute to parenthood and coming of age. A story about how a single parent is transferred from the bustling city of Pune to a small sleepy town Guhagar with her 11-year old son Chinmay. A widow – she struggles to come to terms with the loss of her husband and is always questioning her parenting; a child who has just lost his father – Chinmay is grappling with his own issues of abandonment.

A new place, new school, new friends – all Chinmay wants to be is accepted. Not that he realizes that. What follows is his personal discovery of friendship and himself. A tale of realizing that sometimes, it seems like the world is coming to an end, but it's not. Of realizing that true friendship has its way of coming back to you. Of realizing that the first big heartbreak in your life need not always be a romantic relationship, and being okay with that fact.

Killa is about that one moment that defines the end of childhood as we know it. That one moment that changes our perspective, is more often than not sad, but in all probability – makes us a better and stronger human being. Killa will resonate with anyone who has poured his heart and soul into the act of making friends and relationships; with anyone who can trace that exact moment in their life when someone broke the rose-tinted glasses they viewed the world with; with anyone who appreciates the power of silence over words that mean nothing.

Sensitive direction and gorgeous cinematography by Avinash Arun, fantastic performances by Archit Deodhar and Parth Bhalerao and images and moments that stay with you for a long long time after you've walked out of the theater, Killa is an absolute gem and another gem from the new wave of Marathi cinema that continues to impress and delight.

Another good film from India's 'indie' film movement.

[runamokprods · 7/10 · 30 October 2016]

Another good film from India's 'indie' film movement.

A quiet, simple, sweet/sad portrait of an 11 year old Indian boy dealing with being uprooted from his big city home to a small seaside town after his mother is transferred. He feels like he doesn't fit in, but slowly starts to make friends and a life for himself, only to face various challenges to his equilibrium.

Not a lot happens -- this is more a film of mood and detail than of plot and action. Indeed, for a while I got frustrated waiting for the big dramatic shoe to drop before finally catching on that this wasn't that kind of film. Like real life, even the more 'dramatic' moments are unfinished and their impact unclear. The acting is generally very good, as is the photography.

Nothing that new, but still, a quietly haunting little film that captures the sadness and joy of starting to grow up with tenderness, empathy and gentle humor.

Breeze of fresh air..that will suffocate u in ur manufactred reality

[importantabhilash · 9/10 · 23 July 2020]

This movie has theme floating all around... primarily about what life has to offer is bizzare feeling..it's upon us to feel it in the right way. It deals with a single parent problem.It tells the challenges one face due to dislocation. It draws a picture of childhood and what we see through innocent eyes mean more than what it seems from distant. The movies setting..nature..ponds..ocean..bridge..lighthouse..these are those things that we remember from our own childhood. These places have stories of their own. Boy meets a fisherman to say..and has an experience that changes him or makes him realise..to be grateful. Dialogues are very precise.camera work is so delicate that u miss urself in the scene.and come out at the cut. This is one of the best coming of age that u will see.

Simple yet Surreal !!

[madhukar30 · 7/10 · 29 August 2020]

Despite having a simple story, Killa is very extraordinary in many ways, it oozes with great authenticity and filled with minute finer details. They beauty of the movie is, its director Avanish Arun's ability to show simple things in more complex manner in a very convincing way. Killa's Work can be compared head on with the critically acclaimed hit 1980s tv series "Malgudi days", yes it is that good. People who have lived in a small town, or studied in a government school, anywhere in India can vouch for killa's authenticity.

Cinematography is subtle, yet terrific. Screenplay is like a light feather let loose on a calm day. Editing, makeup, costumes and production design is though above par, is generally free from major mistakes for a movie of this budget. On the acting front Amuthaa Subhash has does some heavy lifting as a single mother, though the movie is based on the lives of young boys. The supporting actors too has done their job in an amazing fashion.

This movie is absolutely timeless and a must watch for serious parallel cinema audiences and will not suit mainstream audiences. It will work wonders on audiences minds if they are from a small city. I am not sure about audiences from metros but it's definitely worth a try. Watch it for Amuthaa Subhash. 1 star deducted for little mistakes.

Simple Elegant ...and Heart touching

[rahulkeshar · 8/10 · 17 September 2020]

What a performance ....by each and everyone in the movie..... really cool....The scenic beauty is awestruck. Typical Country Side look. In short...simple...elegant and really heart touching.

A decent indian movie

[DogeGamer2015 · 6/10 · 20 July 2020]

It has a good message about maturing and getting used to new environments.

Oh my sweet childhood, i miss you

[chenggaga · 9/10 · 5 October 2016]

Killa, a movie about 11 years old 7th grader school boy who has some friends in Konkan.

Kids and their childhood. What an amazing a simple story it is!

I don't understand the language of this movie so i watched with English subtitle. Don't worry. It's very easy to understand this movie. At first, i was so happy. Kids doing their kids things.

When i was a child i had similar story. My dad had a job but he got transferred into a different city. I lost some best friends. I am not sure whether I'm the right person to answer this question but here you go. Yes, same thing happened with me. And i know how much it hurts, i know especially when that someone used to be your best friend, someone with whom you used to share every little secret of yours. But you know what, those days are not going to come back and the fact is that you have got to move on. Sooner or later.

I can remember them now. You don't have to read any reviews or see any ratings. You can open your eyes and watch it without any doubt.

The place, I'm from Bangladesh and i never heard or saw konkan before. The place and landscape on this movie was so amazing and refreshing. The ocean view wow! I wish i could visit this place.

When i was watching this movie it felt like I'm in this movie. It feels so realistic to me. Some part was so joyful and some part are heartbreaking.

I'm giving 9/10 Because this movie deserves it. I really loved this movie. Worth to watch with full family.

Outstanding

[musmus-85946 · 9/10 · 17 April 2018]

A very moving film in the beautiful settings of the Konkan coast during the monsoon.I saw it in France with my 10 year-old son, it got a standing ovation by a house full of school kids.

Life just happens, not necessarily with dramatic events and consequences. It is what it is.

[ridi-arahan · 9/10 · 16 July 2020]

What worked:

• the movie is a right blend of elements that make a beautiful and real cinema. It's a well directed, acted and overall produced movie. There is not an aspect of movie that fails to impress you; the music and cinematography is phenomenal. It's a pleasantly surprising movie, with layers of demonstrating the human psyche especially in the impressionable age of a boy who have faced crisis in his life and ever changing social settings. The movie started with some questions as to where the narrative is heading , soon we come to get the mood and the theme of the movie. I was astonished by the ending and the right mix of humor and self realization. Killa is symbolic and metaphorical. It's a movie that can keep you satisfied long after you watch it.

What did not work:

• i kept think deeply as to what did not work in the movie, it was hard to just come up with one. I would say I would have wanted to see more of the turning point in the boy's perception and self realization. We see scene which makes him aware of his surroundings and his relationships. If it was me, I would have added some scenes to justify that, or scenes with introspection or some more valid reasoning. I am not complaining with the final result, but it's just a suggestion.

Final verdict: highly recommended, at least once

Come out of the dark FORT-Killa of your doubts and fears

[drhemantsant · 9/10 · 5 July 2015]

Watch Marathi film with good English sub titles - KILLA if you want to relive the fears trials tribulations and the sheer Joy of being a eleven year std 7 th child, a boy with gang of Boys to deal with.How to deal with changes in the Life whatever it throws to you and your family.Go watch the greens rains seas and beaches of Maharashtra at its pristine self alive even in silence.One is surrounded by symbolic Fortifications ,our doubts our Fears our preconceived notions.One is cowed down by circumstances and lack of material and Human support.Still one finds ones way even if one has a single Mother and few friends that too memories of them .Life teaches you to adapt and come out of the tunnel to see light at end of which your bright future and friends,loved ones are waiting.So get up shake out all your webs and slack to walk the talk,learn to climb up the steps of the staircase a ladder of life which looks difficult to you before you just Begin with a right frame of mind,attitude.All of us face the fire before we come up well.So be it young men..Go see the film to relive your childhood or recharge your 11 year old son or daughter or an Orphan like a Bandya!Contribute to some needy ones growth then.

Beautiful film

[aartig-418-607651 · 10/10 · 28 July 2019]

Beautiful potrayal of a young boy grappling with loneliness after his father's death. This is an understated film - it makes you think and read between the lines. Excellent performances by the actors portraying Chinmay Kale and Bandya.

Go watch this movie if you havent already.

How delightful...

[RosanaBotafogo · 9/10 · 15 October 2021]

How delightful, I loved the mother-son relationship, and the boy's difficulty in adapting to so many changes in the mother's profession, a woman who is independent, fair and determined, who failed to find a way, the boss's fault, that at least did not abandon her before her "judgment", beautiful photography, in the ruined ruins in the middle of the green and the rain, everything beautiful in this film, enthralling...

A Heartfelt Journey

[kunalrathod93 · 10/10 · 1 March 2024]

"Killa" is a heartwarming portrayal of a young boy's journey into a new life in the serene landscapes of Konkan. Through the eyes of an 11-year-old, the film beautifully captures the emotions of feeling like an outsider, making new friends, and discovering the essence of a small coastal town. As a Maharashtrian, I found myself deeply connected to the protagonist's experiences, especially his school life and coming-of-age emotions. The film's depiction of the town's rustic charm, heavy rains, and vibrant fishermen culture adds to its authenticity. After watching the movie, I am eager to visit the enchanting locations where it was shot and experience the magic of Konkan firsthand.

One of the all time best.

[swapnilnuron · 10/10 · 26 November 2021]

Simple story and background music is very soulful.

An 11-year-old boy struggles to cope with the death of his father while trying to make new friends in an unfamiliar place, after his mother gets a job transfer.