Watch Little Zizou

Little Zizou is a heartwarming comedy-drama that was released in 2008 in India. The movie tells the story of Xerxes, a young boy who is a big fan of the famous Indian footballer, Zinedine Zidane, whom he fondly calls “Little Zizou.” Xerxes is the son of a Parsi journalist named Cyrus, who is a staunch follower of a fundamentalist religious leader, KH Pestonjee. Cyrus' brother, Dinshaw, is a famous artist who has been in a voluntary exile in New York for over a decade. The film underscores the contemporary cultural differences among the Parsi community and the younger generation's struggle to find their identity.

The story revolves around Xerxes and his family's trials and tribulations amidst the backdrop of the profound political and cultural changes in India. Xerxes becomes quite an ardent footballer with unconventional techniques he calls "Zidane moves." However, his father disapproves of the sport, believing that it is not appropriate for Parsis. Cyrus is also involved in a conflict with his brother, who he feels is a disgrace to their family's traditions. Xerxes is in awe of his Uncle Dinshaw, who is internationally famous and holds a prized possession-a portrait of Freddie Mercury's. Freddie Mercury, who was of Parsi descent and was the lead singer of the legendary rock band Queen. Xerxes is so taken with the portrait that he decides to take up painting as a hobby in hopes of impressing his uncle.

After a chance encounter, Cyrus meets his favourite superstar - Boman Irani, the famous Bollywood actor. Boman Irani plays himself in the movie as a guest at a Parsi event. Cyrus proposes an article profiling Boman, but things take an unpleasant turn when his article is rejected. Meanwhile, Xerxes' infatuation with a Catholic girl named Liana sparks a confrontation between the Parsi and Christian communities in Mumbai. This leaves Xerxes' father and Liana's father, a priest, at odds with each other.

As the story progresses, the different plotlines of the movie converge to form a cohesive narrative that is heartwarming and poignant. The movie strikes a chord with the audience as it touches upon themes of identity, religion, cultural practices, and generational conflicts.

The movie features some exceptionally talented actors, including John Abraham, Sohrab Ardeshir, and Iyanah Bativala. John Abraham's portrayal of Arjun, a famous Parsi cricketer, is remarkable. Iyanah Bativala's portrayal of Xerxes is outstanding, and she leaves a lasting impression on the audience with her innocence and charm. Sohrab Ardeshir's portrayal of Cyrus is also noteworthy, as he delivers a nuanced performance, portraying a man grappling with a range of conflicting emotions.

Little Zizou was directed by Sooni Taraporevala, who is known for her work as a screenwriter for Mira Nair's films, including The Namesake and Salaam Bombay. The film's music was composed by three famous composers - Lalit Pandit, Louis Banks, and Taufiq Qureshi.

Overall, Little Zizou is an entertaining movie that is sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. It is a movie that manages to capture the nuances and complexities of living in a multi-cultural society and touches upon themes of family, faith, and identity. The movie features exceptional performances by the cast, beautiful music, and a captivating storyline.