Actress Rasika Dugal has highlighted the shortage of children-centred films in Indian cinema, saying that young audiences deserve stories that reflect their curiosity, imagination and experiences.
As her latest film, Little Thomas, arrives in theatres, Dugal has called for more filmmakers to explore stories that children can enjoy while encouraging them to ask questions and discover the world around them.
Rasika Dugal on Children’s Cinema
Dugal believes children’s experiences often remain secondary to the main storyline in Indian films. She feels their questions, observations and distinctive ways of understanding life can make compelling subjects in their own right.
The actress also believes children’s films can be entertaining while carrying meaningful messages without becoming preachy. She hopes more filmmakers will create stories that connect with young viewers and expand their imagination.
What Is Little Thomas About?
Directed by Kaushal Oza, Little Thomas is set in Goa during the 1990s. The film follows seven-year-old Thomas, who wants a younger sibling and repeatedly asks his parents where babies come from.
Dugal plays Jessie Miranda, Thomas’s mother, while Gulshan Devaiah plays his father. Child actor Hridansh Parekh portrays Thomas.
The story explores childhood curiosity through a familiar family setting, showing how a child’s straightforward questions can lead to unexpected conversations among adults.
A Call for More Stories for Young Audiences
Dugal’s comments draw attention to the importance of making films specifically for children rather than treating them only as supporting characters in adult-centred stories.
Through Little Thomas, the actress hopes audiences will consider how children see the world and why their questions deserve thoughtful responses. Her remarks also highlight the opportunity for Indian cinema to offer younger viewers more relatable and imaginative stories.
