[sadhuji]

When the last month of the year begins, we heave a sigh of relief. We get new wall calendars and, decide to do in the New Year all that we had been putting off till then. We work out New Year resolutions and, even though we know that such thoughts would hardly make any difference in our lives, still we make the attempt to be honest with ourselves. Pricking of the conscious, the learned ones say.

Kids have of late taken center stage in advertisements – there are a number of cute kids who influence purchase decisions of the elders. The products might be the ten rupee worth ball point pen or the ten lakh worth car. These kids have photogenic faces, possess fairly good acting abilities and can convey thoughts quite explicitly via their expressions. If only they could be roped in to make a children’s movie, it would surely be a great hit – it might even throw more established actors and actresses out of business. It is a wonder that no one has given any serious thought to such ideas. Whatever movies are made for children usually have them play second fiddle – this needs to be rectified.

These thoughts come across in December because we have noticed that Hollywood releases movies meant especially for kids in this season of holidays – there were the all time favorites like Home Alone, Baby’s day out, Shrek, Dunston checks in, 101 Dalmatians etcetera that hit the screens during the Christmas vacations. Bollywood could follow the trend and plan for release of similar Indianised movies during our festival seasons like Dussera or Diwali. With regard to subjects – there could be kidnappings or talent hunts or competing for on education. There could be ample scope for songs and dances (birthday parties or celebrating festivals) – not only by the kids but by the seniors. Only, the seniors should make guest appearances (be passing by in their car or giving a lift to the kids or helping them out in purchasing railway tickets or postal stamps) and not hog the limelight. A word of caution – the movie should not be high handed but be simple, entertaining and appealing to the kids, it should be what they experience in real life. Most importantly, it should refrain from preaching serious messages – let us keep that reserved for the adults.