Chillar Party 2011

This film introduces us to the lively kids of Chandan Nagar Society, each with their own distinct personalities and nicknames. The team features Akram, the speedy bowler, Encyclopedia — the brilliant strategist, Second Hand who wears his elder brother’s old clothes, Jhangya (son of the local DVD library owner) who shuns undergarments, Aflatoon, the kid juggling extracurricular activities, Silencer, who is known for his silence, and Shaolin, who is fascinated by all things Chinese. Collectively, they refer to themselves as the CHILLAR PARTY.

Their main rivals include an “over-sized” neighboring cricket team, to whom they often lose, and a mischievous dog named Loose Motion, which has become a source of annoyance. Just when their spirits are low, Lucky Singh, known as Panauti (due to his uncanny ability for things to go wrong when he speaks), assures them, >“Don’t worry, no other dog will ever enter our society.” This declaration brings a sense of impending doom to the kids.

Hope is dashed when Fatka, a boy hired to wash cars in the society, brings his dog Bhidu into the mix. In a futile attempt to rid the society of the boy and his furry companion, the kids resort to antics like planting fake dog waste and stealing Fatka’s washcloth. Their initial enmity transforms into friendship as Fatka helps them during a crucial cricket match against their rivals. While the parents of the Chillar Party express concerns about their children’s exposure to Fatka’s rustic ways, they soon embrace him after he advises an aspiring radio job for a member of the society needing assistance.

Their newfound happiness quickly faces turmoil when a locally influential politician named Bhide enters the scene, particularly after his personal secretary gets bitten by Bhidu. Bhide, an ally of the society’s secretary Mr. Tandon (who harbors a deep-seated dislike for the Chillar Party), publicly vows on television to round up and eliminate all stray dogs in residential areas of Mumbai, under the guise of enhancing safety with his mantra, “Safe Mumbai and Safe Mumbaikar.” Bhide gives the society a month to submit a NO OBJECTION CERTIFICATE (NOC) to save Bhidu, and Tandon eagerly agrees that Bhidu will not be allowed to remain.

The Chillar Party, determined to save their four-legged friend, begins a campaign to gather support for the NOC, needing over half the votes from the society’s residents—31 in total. Despite their efforts, they initially secure only ten votes after 15 days of campaigning. To boost their presence, they use a radio broadcast to promote their cause about a talking dog. This ingenious move attracts media attention, garnering more votes and catching Bhide’s ire as he threatens Tandon with legal consequences for hiring child labor.

In response, Tandon dismisses Fatka, but the kids continue to work with him, paying him from their allowances for cleaning their bicycles. In a hilarious and bold move to gather support, they organize a CHADDI MARCH, parading through the streets in just their underwear, which is broadcasted on television and leads to an additional ten votes. As they work tirelessly to achieve their goal, they manage to secure a total of 30 votes, with just one day remaining to meet the deadline set by Bhide.

In the midst of the chaos, a TV channel invites both the Chillar Party and Bhide for a live interview, presenting what they see as their final opportunity to save Bhidu. During the live broadcast, the Chillar Party faces ridicule from Bhide, who questions their integrity and character. As the tension rises, Silencer, who is typically silent, takes the floor and recites from his textbook, addressing the crowd with, “We must always help others,” followed by the team echoing phrases like “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” Their touching appeal results in a resounding applause from the audience.

Back in the society, as dog catchers hunt for Bhidu, the votes are being tallied by Mr. Tandon, who is glued to the televised events. Although he is friendly with Bhide and is reluctant to support the Chillar Party, Tandon holds the NOC papers. After the interview, the kids rush back home only to find Bhidu missing. However, joyfully, Bhidu reappears wearing a collar that reads “Bhidu, Chandan Nagar Society,” and as they celebrate, they notice the NOC paper on Tandon’s desk, now sporting the critical 31st signature.