Greater Kalesh is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama short film directed by Aditya Chandiok and produced by Terribly Tiny Tales. Released on Netflix on 17 October 2025, the film takes a deceptively simple family setup and transforms it into an engaging, emotionally layered narrative that feels both contemporary and timeless.
At its core, Greater Kalesh explores the idea that no Indian family is ever as calm as it appears on the surface—especially during festivals like Diwali, when emotions, expectations, and unresolved conflicts collide under one roof.
📖 Plot Review: When Homecoming Sparks Chaos
The story revolves around Twinkle Handa, played with remarkable authenticity by Ahsaas Channa. Twinkle’s sudden return home for Diwali becomes the catalyst for a chain reaction of revelations, arguments, and emotional confrontations within the Handa family. What begins as a festive reunion quickly spirals into what the title aptly suggests—a greater kalesh.
The narrative smartly avoids melodrama. Instead, it captures everyday family conflicts: unsaid grievances, generational gaps, sibling tensions, and the pressure to maintain a “perfect family” image. Each argument feels organic, rooted in lived experiences that many viewers will instantly recognize.
🎭 Performances: Real, Raw, and Relatable
Ahsaas Channa shines as Twinkle Handa, delivering a performance that balances vulnerability, frustration, and quiet strength. Her portrayal anchors the film and makes Twinkle’s emotional journey deeply relatable.
The supporting cast adds significant depth:
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Supriya Shukla as Sunita Handa brings emotional weight to the role of a mother caught between tradition and truth.
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Happy Ranajit as Ranjan Handa subtly portrays a father struggling with authority and unspoken regrets.
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Poojan Chhabra as Ankush Handa and Akshaya Naik as Pankhuri reflect modern relationship anxieties with realism.
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Sangeeta Balachandran as Dadi adds warmth, wisdom, and a quiet emotional resonance that lingers long after the film ends.
Each character feels like someone you’ve met—or argued with—at a family gathering.
🎥 Direction & Screenplay: Small Film, Big Impact
Director Aditya Chandiok demonstrates excellent control over pacing and tone. Despite being a short film, Greater Kalesh never feels rushed. The screenplay is tight, filled with sharp dialogues that oscillate between humor and discomfort—much like real family conversations.
The confined home setting works as a strength rather than a limitation, intensifying the emotional pressure and making the conflicts feel inescapable.
🎶 Technical Aspects: Subtle but Effective
The background score is minimal and unobtrusive, allowing performances and dialogues to take center stage. Cinematography keeps things intimate, often framing characters in close shots that emphasize emotional tension. The editing is crisp, ensuring that every scene serves the story.
🧠 Themes & Takeaways
Greater Kalesh touches upon:
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The illusion of harmony in families
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Generational misunderstandings
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Emotional suppression and sudden outbursts
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The thin line between love and resentment
What makes the film special is its honesty. It doesn’t offer easy resolutions, but it does provide understanding—and sometimes, that’s more powerful.
⭐ Final Verdict by Movie Ka Ticket
Greater Kalesh is a beautifully crafted short film that proves strong storytelling doesn’t require grand scale. With compelling performances, sharp writing, and emotional authenticity, it stands out as a must-watch for anyone who has experienced the chaos of family life.
Whether you’re watching it for Ahsaas Channa’s performance or for its relatable narrative, this Netflix release leaves a lasting impression.
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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)