Halkaa is a Hindi-language film directed by Nila Madhab Panda and released in 2018. It stars child actor Tathastu as Pichku, an eight-year-old boy who lives in a slum in Delhi with his parents. Pichku dreams of having a proper toilet in his home, as he is forced to defecate in the open and face the humiliation that comes with it every day.
Despite his parents' efforts to save money to build a toilet, their landlord refuses to allow the construction, and government officials ignore their complaints. Pichku takes matters into his own hands and embarks on a mission to raise awareness about the lack of sanitation facilities in the slums and to demand change.
Pichku's journey is shown through a mix of drama, humor, and musical sequences. Along the way, he forms unexpected alliances, faces opposition and danger, and learns valuable life lessons. The film also deals with themes of poverty, classism, corruption, and the power of community action.
Halkaa received positive reviews for its realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by people living in slums and its heartwarming message. It won several awards, including the Best Children's Film award at the 66th National Film Awards. The film's title means "lightweight" in Hindi, which is a reference to Pichku's determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
