Chalo Jeete Hain (2025)

“Chalo Jeete Hain” is a National Award-winning Hindi biographical short film that draws inspiration from childhood incidents in the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Directed by Mangesh Hadawale, this 31-minute film explores the profound impact of Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy on young minds. The film gained significant recognition for its positive message about living for others and won the National Award for Best Non-Feature Film on Family Values in 2019. With its recent re-release in September 2025 coinciding with PM Modi’s 75th birthday, the film continues to inspire audiences across India.

Movie Overview & Basic Information

Category	Details
Movie Title	Chalo Jeete Hain
Original Release Date	July 11, 2018
Re-release Date	September 18, 2025
Language	Hindi, English, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Assamese, Punjabi, Odia, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Gujarati
Genre	Biography, Drama
Runtime	31 minutes
Rating	U (Universal)
User Rating	7.5/10
Format	2D
Certificate	U

Release Date & Re-Release Campaign

Original Release: Chalo Jeete Hain was initially released on July 11, 2018, with its world premiere on Star Network and Hotstar on July 29, 2018.

2025 Re-Release: The film is being re-released across India from September 17 to October 2, 2025, coinciding with PM Modi’s 75th birthday celebrations. The re-release encompasses:

• School Screenings: Lakhs of schools across India, including CBSE, KVS, and NVS institutions
• Cinema Halls: Nearly 500 cinema halls nationwide, including PVR Inox, Cinepolis, Rajhans, and Miraj
• Special Campaign: “Chalo Jeete Hain: Seva Ka Sanman” initiative honoring silent heroes

Cast & Characters

Lead Cast

• Dhairya Darji as young Narendra Modi (Naru)
• Rakhi Mansha in a supporting role

Production Team

Director: Mangesh Hadawale
Producers: Mahaveer Jain, Bhushan Kumar, Mangesh Hadawale
Presented by: Aanand L. Rai, Mahaveer Jain
Production Banner: T-Series
Cinematography: Not specified
Music: Background score enhances the narrative

Plot Summary & Storyline

The film tells the story of young “Naru” (Narendra), a boy living in post-independence Vadnagar, Gujarat. The impressionable child becomes deeply moved by Swami Vivekananda’s powerful teaching: “Bas wahi jeete hain, jo doosro ke liye jeete hain” (Only those who live for others truly live).

This philosophy profoundly impacts the young boy, leading him to question the meaning of life and purpose. The narrative follows his quest to understand what it truly means to live for others and how he can make a difference in his small world. The film captures the innocence of childhood while exploring deep philosophical concepts about service, empathy, and living a meaningful life.

The story also incorporates references to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, who exemplified the principle of living for others through their sacrifice for the nation.

Critical Reception & Awards

National Recognition: The film won the prestigious National Award for Best Non-Feature Film on Family Values in 2019, cementing its status as a meaningful contribution to Indian cinema.

Critical Assessment: The film has been praised for its simple yet powerful storytelling approach, effective portrayal of childhood innocence, and successful communication of profound philosophical messages.

Audience Reception:

• Current rating: 7.5/10 based on early ratings
• Mixed user feedback with ratings ranging from 2/10 to positive reviews
• Praised for its inspirational message and feel-good narrative
• Some viewers found it suitable for one-time viewing

Government Initiative & Educational Impact

Ministry of Education Directive: The Union government has mandated screening of the film in schools affiliated with CBSE, KVS, and NVS from September 16 to October 2, 2025.

Educational Objectives:

• Encourage students to reflect on values like character, service, and responsibility
• Serve as a case study for moral reasoning
• Support social-emotional learning goals
• Develop empathy, self-reflection, and critical thinking

Prerana Programme Integration: The film is part of the experiential learning initiative conducted at PM Modi’s alma mater, the Vernacular School of Vadnagar, Gujarat.

Seva Ka Sanman Initiative

Campaign Focus: The re-release campaign honors “Silent Heroes” of society:

• School watchmen and security staff
• Cleaning personnel and maintenance workers
• Drivers and transportation staff
• Peons and administrative support staff
• Other unsung heroes who contribute to smooth functioning of institutions

Community Impact: The initiative aims to inspire young minds to value and respect every kind of work and individual, promoting timeless values of selflessness, empathy, and duty to the nation.

OTT & Digital Availability

Streaming Platform: The film is available on ZEE5 for online viewing.

Digital Reach: As one of the most viewed short films of 2018, it continues to reach new audiences through digital platforms.

Government Promotion: The film has received significant government backing for its positive message and educational value.

Technical Aspects & Production Values

Short Film Format: At 31 minutes, the film efficiently delivers its message without unnecessary elaboration.

Production Quality: Despite being a short film, it maintains professional production standards suitable for theatrical and educational screenings.

Multi-lingual Approach: The recent re-release includes multiple Indian languages to reach diverse audiences across the country.

Special Screenings & Events

Presidential Screening: The film was screened at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 24, 2018, where President Ram Nath Kovind watched it along with Union Ministers.

Parliament Screening: It was also screened at Parliament’s Balayogi Auditorium on July 25, 2018, before its television premiere.

Mass Promotion: The film was promoted in front of 5,000 people at Indoor Stadium Surat, demonstrating its wide appeal.

Box Office & Commercial Performance

Budget: Not disclosed, but as a short film with educational intent, it was likely produced on a modest budget.

Commercial Status: While not a traditional commercial release, it achieved success through:

• National Award recognition
• Widespread government and institutional support
• Significant digital viewership
• Educational screening programs

Verdict: Award-winning success focused on impact and recognition rather than commercial box office numbers.

Cultural & Social Impact

Philosophical Foundation: The film successfully translates Swami Vivekananda’s complex philosophy into an accessible narrative for young audiences.

Educational Tool: It serves as an effective medium for value-based education in schools and institutions.

Character Building: The narrative promotes character development, service orientation, and social responsibility among viewers.

National Unity: By showcasing universal values through a personal story, it contributes to national integration and shared cultural understanding.

Recent Developments & Current Relevance

2025 Re-release Significance: The timing of the re-release coincides with PM Modi’s 75th birthday, making it a celebration of both the leader and the values he represents.

Sewa Pakhwada: The campaign includes a two-week-long service fortnight featuring:

• Blood donation camps
• Cleanliness drives
• Exhibitions on national achievements
• Public discussions on service and values

State-Level Implementation: Various states, including Bihar, have organized special screening programs with mobile LED screen vehicles for wider reach.

Audience Recommendations

For Students: The film serves as an excellent introduction to values-based thinking and can inspire young minds toward service-oriented life goals.

For Educators: Teachers can use this as a tool for moral education and character development discussions.

For General Audiences: Those interested in biographical content and inspirational stories will find value in the film’s simple yet profound message.

For Families: The U certificate and positive message make it suitable for family viewing and discussion.

Final Assessment

“Chalo Jeete Hain” represents successful cinema with a purpose, demonstrating how short-form content can effectively communicate significant philosophical and educational messages. While it may not offer the entertainment quotient of commercial films, its value lies in its potential to inspire positive change in young minds.

The film’s National Award recognition and continued relevance through government-supported re-releases indicate its lasting impact on Indian society. Its integration into educational curricula ensures that Swami Vivekananda’s timeless philosophy continues to influence new generations.

The 2025 re-release campaign, with its focus on honoring silent heroes and promoting service-oriented values, extends the film’s impact beyond mere viewing to practical community engagement. This approach transforms cinema from passive entertainment to active social change catalyst.

Disclaimer: This article provides comprehensive information about “Chalo Jeete Hain” for educational and informational purposes. The film’s biographical elements are based on reported childhood incidents and should be viewed in that context. For official updates and screening schedules, consult government notifications and authorized sources.