“Chhoti Baarish” (Little Rain) directed by Ritopriyo Saha

What did Ritopriyo Saha  say about this film?

“Chhoti Baarish” was born from a simple yet profound moment — a child in a slum gazing longingly at falling raindrops, hesitant to embrace the downpour. This fleeting scene inspired a film exploring the theme of lost innocence and how societal norms often suppress our instinct to express joy freely. It poses a powerful question: when did we forget how to live uninhibitedly?

Journey

The journey of making the film was fraught with challenges, particularly due to its reliance on natural weather. Rain never arrived when needed, and sunlight often eluded crucial shots, causing the two- day shoot to stretch into four and the budget to nearly double. Editing the music sequence was equally demanding. Composer Saikat, who also edited the film, used over 100 carefully timed clips to sync with a five-minute original track.

As with many independent projects, funding was a major hurdle. However, the filmmaker was fortunate to have access to exceptional, passionate talent — from a skilled cinematographer to seasoned theatre actors from Bangalore — many of whom worked with minimal or no pay. The film took nearly two years to complete, relying on a balance of limited resources and ample time.

At its core, Chhoti Baarish celebrates small, beautiful moments of joy within ordinary life — a universal theme that resonates across cultures and ages, touching both children and adults alike.