Varsha Vasudev’s ‘Chinna Chinna Aasai’ tells a one-day story of connection in Varanasi

Director Varsha Vasudev’s debut film Chinna Chinna Aasai follows two strangers, a man and a woman, who meet and develop companionship through conversation, glances and smiles over the course of a single day in Varanasi.

Varsha also wrote the story. The film centers on a simple, emotional narrative set against the spiritual backdrop of the holy city. Performances by Indrans and Madhoo, credited as Madhubala, carry the poetic tone.

Indrans plays Madhavan, a retired school teacher and single father who frequently visits Varanasi to meet his daughter Janaki, played by Aparna Balamurali, who is studying kathak. Madhoo plays Leela, a widow from Thanjavur touring the city with a group.

The two meet when Leela is left behind by her group and robbed of her belongings and phone near the ghat. Madhavan, sitting nearby, volunteers to help her reunite with her group. Initially distant, Leela gradually warms to Madhavan. He takes her around Varanasi that day, and the few hours she spends with him help her find herself.