Director Vishal Bhardwaj
First released 2005, Cert PG
Studio UTV Motion Pictures
A beautifully told modern fairy tale.
Story
In a remote village in India, a little girl, Biniya, falls in love with a beautiful blue umbrella owned by some Japanese tourists and swaps a necklace for it. The umbrella becomes the centre of attention – everyone wants it but none more than local restaurant owner Nandkishore Khatri. When one day it goes missing he is her main suspect as she tries to solve the mystery of where it has gone.
Why we chose it
Described as a both a fairy tale and a fable, the film has received high praise for its storytelling, it simplicity and its beautiful panoramic cinematography
Where it came from
The novel the film is based on was written by Ruskin Bond and published in 1980. Bond is one of the best known children’s authors in India.
Vishal Bhardwaj is a highly acclaimed director, writer, composer, singer and producer and one of the top Bollywood directors.
Where it went next
The film won a National Award for Best Children’s Film in India. It was well received by audiences and critics and can still be seen on Netflix.
Associated stories
Bhardwaj is known for his adaptations of Shakespeare’s tragedies, Maqbool based on Macbeth, Omkara based on Othello and Haider based on Hamlet.
Director Vishal Bhardwaj
First released 2005, Cert PG
Studio UTV Motion Pictures