A little boy’s emotional journey of courage, patriotism and discovery
‘Flag’
Movie Review
Some films tell stories through grand cinematic moments, while others find their strength in simple emotions and meaningful journeys. ‘Flag’, directed by Pon Shankar, belongs to the latter category. Centred on a young boy’s extraordinary journey to fulfil his grandfather’s cherished dream, the film explores patriotism, family bonds, childhood innocence and the cultural richness of India.
The film follows Velu (Master Theehan), a village boy who is more interested in playing with his friends than concentrating on his studies. His carefree childhood takes a tragic turn when he loses both his parents in an accident. His maternal grandfather (Micky Makhija) takes him to his hometown in Karnataka and gradually helps him overcome the emotional trauma.
The relationship between the grandfather and grandson becomes the emotional foundation of the narrative. Through affection, patience and companionship, the elderly man slowly brings Velu back to normalcy. However, their peaceful life is disrupted when the grandfather suffers a stroke and is hospitalised.
It is then that Velu discovers a mission close to his grandfather’s heart. The old man has always dreamt of seeing the National Flag, manufactured at the factory where he works, being hoisted at India Gate in New Delhi. Determined to make his grandfather’s wish come true, the young boy decides to undertake the journey himself.
With his grandfather’s savings in his pocket and very little understanding of the outside world, Velu sets out towards an unknown destination. He does not even know where India Gate is or what challenges lie ahead. What follows is a journey filled with unexpected encounters, hardships, friendships and valuable life lessons. Whether the child manages to reach his destination forms the central suspense of the film.
Pon Shankar deserves appreciation for choosing a subject that combines a child’s personal journey with a larger message about national unity and patriotism. Rather than depending heavily on dialogue, the director allows emotions to unfold through silences, expressions and everyday situations.
The portions depicting Velu’s happy childhood with his parents, the trauma following their sudden death and his gradual bonding with his grandfather are among the film’s most touching sequences. The grandfather’s efforts to help the child recover emotionally are portrayed with considerable warmth.
Another notable aspect is the way the grandfather explains India’s freedom struggle and the importance of the National Flag. These conversations provide an emotional and historical context to Velu’s mission, making the flag more than just an object he wishes to see hoisted.
The journey itself is the film’s major attraction. Velu encounters different people and situations, experiences fear and uncertainty, makes new friends and receives unexpected assistance from kind-hearted strangers. These episodes effectively bring out the spirit of humanity and the goodness that can be found in unfamiliar places.
The film also makes an effort to showcase India’s linguistic, cultural and geographical diversity. The changing landscapes and encounters across different regions contribute to the larger idea that the country is united despite its many differences.
Master Theehan is the heart and soul of ‘Flag’. He brings an appealing innocence to Velu and handles the emotional requirements of the character with confidence. His portrayal of a child unfamiliar with the outside world is particularly convincing.
The character’s lack of awareness about geography, his tendency to trust strangers and his inability to understand the importance of safeguarding his money are all presented naturally. These traits also connect beautifully with an earlier scene in which his mother expresses concern about his lack of interest in studies.
Interestingly, Velu’s journey becomes an education in itself. The experiences he gathers along the way gradually make him realise the value of learning and understanding the world. By the end, he recognises that he needs to take his studies seriously, giving the journey an additional layer of meaning.
Micky Makhija, remembered by many for his performance in ‘Lucky Baskhar’, delivers a memorable portrayal of the grandfather. He brings tenderness, dignity and emotional depth to the character. His chemistry with Master Theehan lends considerable strength to the film’s emotional core. The supporting cast is also well selected, contributing effectively to the different stages of the boy’s journey.
The cinematography deserves appreciation for capturing the varied landscapes and visual beauty of the country. The production appears to have involved extensive travel, with the locations providing a sense of scale to Velu’s adventure.
The music complements the emotional mood of the narrative, while the visuals enhance the film’s patriotic undertones. Certain sequences feel unnecessarily prolonged, and the slow narration occasionally affects the overall engagement. Some portions also become repetitive, making the journey feel longer than necessary.
‘Flag’ is a sincere and well-intentioned film that celebrates patriotism without relying on loud speeches or excessive dramatics. Its greatest strength lies in the innocent perspective of a child who undertakes an extraordinary journey for the sake of someone he loves.
The film reminds us that national pride is not merely about symbols, but also about understanding our history, respecting our diversity and recognising the kindness that connects people across geographical and cultural boundaries.
Despite its occasional pacing issues, ‘Flag’ deserves appreciation for its noble theme, heartfelt performances and refreshing narrative approach. It is a film that families can watch together, particularly for the values and emotions it seeks to communicate.
Rating: 4 out of 5
By Naveen
***
