Little Thomas

If you're in the mood for a gentle, feel-good film, Little Thomas could be just what you need. Set in a world that feels far removed from the rush of modern life, it invites you to slow down and savour a simpler time.

Set in 1990s Goa, Little Thomas follows a seven-year-old boy who dreams of having a younger brother and believes his constantly quarrelling parents must kiss to make it happen. Directed by Kushal Oza, the film stars Gulshan Devaiah, Rasika Dugal and child actor Hridansh Parekh. Backed by Anurag Kashyap, it blends humour, innocence and family drama.

Desmond (Gulshan Devaiah) is a baker trying to keep his struggling business afloat, even as his marriage to Jessie (Rasika Dugal), a talented pianist, hits a rough patch. With the bakery losing ground and Jessie's piano students drifting away, the couple find themselves dealing with challenges on both the personal and professional fronts.

Kushal Oza captures the magic of childhood through Thomas and his friends, bringing their playful adventures to life. Their cheeky banter and innocent mischief lend the film a refreshing, nostalgic charm. A whimsical touch adds warmth to the storytelling without making it overly sentimental.

While the film's intentions are admirable, its pacing can feel slow in stretches. At a time when our attention spans are shrinking and we're increasingly accustomed to watching videos at 2X speed, settling into its unhurried rhythm can be a challenge, unless the story manages to keep you invested in what happens next. In many parts, sets do look like sets and that gives an artificial feel to the story in those portions.

Hridansh Parekh brings a natural innocence to Thomas, while Gulshan Devaiah and Rasika Dugal make his parents feel like real people.

If you're looking for a gentle, laid-back film to unwind with at the cinemas, Little Thomas is worth considering.