Watch Sandcastle

One of the most refreshing coming-of-age films released in 2021, Sandcastle is a heartwarming and poignant story of two young girls, Aniksha and Shreya, growing up in modern-day India. Directed by Pallavi Rohatgi, the film stars Shahana Chatterjee as Aniksha, a dreamy-eyed teenager, and Malvika Jethwani as Shreya, a rebellious young woman who yearns for freedom.

Set in a coastal town near Mumbai, the film explores the life of these two youngsters as they navigate through their teen years in a rapidly changing world. Aniksha is the kind of girl who dreamily listens to music, writes poetry and hopes to one day become an artist. She is romantic and deeply attached to her family, especially her mother, who she sees as her role model. Shreya, on the other hand, is the kind of girl who rebels against the norms of society and refuses to conform to the expectations of her parents. She smokes, drinks and pursues her passion for the guitar, defying the conventions of her conservative family.

The film follows the lives of these two girls as they come together as friends and explore the complexities of adolescence. Aniksha is hesitant and unsure about the kind of person she is becoming and confides in Shreya about her fears and insecurities. Shreya, in turn, helps Aniksha come out of her shell and encourages her to pursue her dreams. The girls spend their days on the beach, building sandcastles and dreaming about their future. They discuss everything from love, life, music, and art, to societal expectations, and try to make sense of the world around them.

Sandcastle is a beautiful portrayal of female friendship and how it can shape our lives. Aniksha and Shreya's bond grows stronger with time, and they become each other's support system. The film explores how women can come together and create a safe space for each other, where they can let down their guard and be vulnerable.

The film has some stunning visuals of the scenic coastal town and the beautiful beach, which serves as a metaphor for the girls' lives. The sea represents the ebbs and flows of life, and how it can be calm one moment and turbulent the next. The sandcastle that the girls build represents the fragility of life, and how we must build our dreams with care and patience, knowing that they can fall apart at any moment.

Sandcastle is also a commentary on the changes that are taking place in modern-day India. The film touches upon themes such as women's empowerment, questioning age-old traditions, and the importance of individuality. It highlights how women are breaking free from the shackles of society and finding their voice in a patriarchal culture.

The performances in Sandcastle are impressive, especially from the two lead actresses. Shahana Chatterjee is winsome as the shy and introspective Aniksha, and Malvika Jethwani is fantastic as the rebellious and confident Shreya. They share a beautiful chemistry on screen, and their nuanced performances bring an honesty and authenticity to their characters.

The music of the film is another highlight. The songs are beautiful and catchy, and they capture the essence of the film perfectly. The soundtrack of the film features some of the most exciting and promising names in the independent music scene in India, and the music adds a lot of depth to the film.

Overall, Sandcastle is a must-watch film that explores the complexities of growing up as a woman in modern-day India. It is a film that is rich in emotion, visual poetry, and social commentary. The film celebrates the power of female friendship, the importance of hope, and the beauty of dreams. It is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt unsure, confused, or lost, and is a beautiful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.