A Place of Our Own

It appears to a be a normal day in a canteen near a railway station. A cultural event has been taking place in the town, and the canteen is populated with the participants. On different tables between arguments, introductions , meetings and partings, we get to meet many different people. Every person affected in various ways by the world, and in their turn, affecting the world around them. They seem to be living their everyday, natural life. And then, they discover that it’s not such a normal day after all…

Chess is a popular pastime in this neighbourhood, with roadside games bringing together men, to challenge each other in friendly and sometimes unfriendly matches. But for some, the pawns include morality and religion causing tensions to erupt when a tournament gets underway. Against this backdrop, a domestic worker with a secret hobby, a former journalist struggling with married life and a young woman in love, find themselves pushing boundaries and challenging the rules of the game.

Chanda is the undisputed pithoo champion of the basti. She has managed to continue her reign with the ownership of the ball and her sharp aim. One day, her mother has some news - she and her best friend Shameem have been enrolled in a big school - one that brings with it, new books, uniforms and shoes!! Chanda doesn't like wearing shoes. But rules are rules and she has to follow them or be punished! Her friends in the basti have also started to think that she may have met her match and from the tiger that she is with them, she is becoming a mouse in school! What will Chanda do? Will she manage to dream up a plan to beat the rules and make a little space for herself within the discipline of the school?

Mann, a 13-year-old Pardhi boy, lives with his mother and two brothers. His mother tends goats and does odd jobs to support the family. His thela (handcart) holds a special place in his heart, like a beloved member of the family. With his trusty thela by his side, Mann earns a daily wage, has a little fun, and also tries to study. But one day, a day that begins like any other, Mann loses his most trusted friend...