What if a locked school gate could become the biggest dream in a child’s world?
That simple question sits at the heart of Chikeezing, an upcoming Marathi film that takes audiences into the imagination of a young boy and the small world he quietly builds around himself. The film’s first poster was unveiled on September 30, along with the announcement that it will arrive in cinemas this Diwali, on November 12, 2026.
Set in a hill station, Chikeezing follows Chikya, a bright, mischievous and dreamy boy growing up in poverty. Every Saturday, he accompanies his mother to a prestigious residential school. While his mother goes about her work, Chikya becomes fascinated by the school’s huge locked iron gate.
For him, the gate is more than just an entrance. It represents a world he can see but cannot enter.
The story follows Chikya as he begins a secret journey connected to that dream. His imagination finds companionship in an unusual place too. A scarecrow standing in a strawberry field becomes his confidant, silently listening to everything he has to say.
The film appears to find its emotional strength in these ordinary moments. Chikya collects firewood with Taaydi, watches other children celebrate Diwali from a distance and carefully keeps different objects inside his schoolbag. To an adult, these actions may seem strange or insignificant. Through Chikya’s eyes, however, they become clues to a much bigger inner world.
That is perhaps what makes childhood so fascinating. Children do not always explain their dreams in words. Sometimes, they express them through the things they collect, the places they watch from afar and the imaginary friends they create.
The film gradually raises questions about Chikya’s behaviour. Why is he doing these seemingly inexplicable things? Is it simply childhood innocence, or is there something deeper behind his actions? What exactly is he searching for?
Rather than presenting itself only as a children’s film, Chikeezing explores childhood, family, dreams and hope from a wider perspective. Its story may also encourage parents to look at the small things their children do with a little more curiosity.
In a world where children are increasingly surrounded by screens, schedules and adult expectations, Chikya’s world feels like a reminder that imagination can turn even a locked gate into a doorway to a dream.
Chikeezing is presented by Dippak Wani and Jaiprakash Bhande and produced by A Themeteam Studio Production in association with Keyframe Production. Supriya Bagate is the producer, while Shabbir Sabuwala, Rachana Vora, Hrishikesh Deshmukh, Sid Vinsurkar, Karan Chavan and Unmesh Kulkarni serve as co-producers. Rajendra Bagate and Vaibhav Kulkarni have directed the film.
The cast includes Prabhakar More, Krishnaraj Waingade, Sejal Kore, Amruta Suresh and Dr Sonali Ghatnekar in important roles.
This Diwali, Chikeezing will bring a little boy’s big dream to the big screen. And perhaps, along the way, it may remind adults of the dreams they once carried too.
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