Why Good Children's Cinema Matters, Says Rasika Duggal

Mumbai, October 23: Actor Rasika Duggal has spoken about the importance of thoughtful films for children, pointing to 'Little Thomas' as an example of stories that allow young viewers to connect with their own feelings and experiences. She plays Jesse Miranda in the film.

Duggal believes that such stories entertain children while also encouraging them to ask questions, imagine and understand their surroundings. She described cinema as a powerful way to widen a child's world. "Many of the thoughts we have as grown-ups are often connected to films we watched in childhood," she noted.

Highlighting the need for quality children's films, Rasika said, "We need films that children can see themselves in. Such films should nurture their curiosity rather than overlook it."

She added that films made for children need not be lightweight to be entertaining. "Films like these can truly entertain children. I hope more filmmakers will explore stories that children can enjoy and that spark new possibilities for their imagination."

Directed by Kaushal Ojha, the film is set in Goa during the 1990s and traces the ups and downs in the lives of seven-year-old Thomas and his family. Its storytelling brings to mind Malgudi Days and Ruskin Bond's stories. The cast includes Gulshan Devaiah, Rasika Duggal and child artist Hridaan Parekh in key roles.

Rasika essays the role of Thomas's mother, Jesse Miranda, a woman whose world centres on her family, her bakery and her love for music.

The film attempts to see the world through the eyes of a child, emphasising the natural and unexpected conversations that arise from childhood curiosity. Set within a family environment, its narrative revolves around a young boy's innocent questions and his determination to learn the answers, which lead to several interesting situations.