April May 99 (2025)

In the charming coastal village of Shrivardhan, nestled in the Konkan region, three inseparable 14-year-old friends—Prasad, Krushna, and Siddhesh—are buzzing with excitement as they count down to their summer vacation in 1999. They can’t wait for days filled with cricket, cycling, and indulging in ice-golas. However, when Prasad’s father insists he spend the summer in Mumbai for English classes, his friends feel a sting of betrayal but still hold on to their plans.

Everything changes with the arrival of Jaaie (Zai), a bright, English-speaking teenager visiting her aunt, armed with a camera and a thirst for adventure. The boys, intrigued by her, quickly befriend her; she becomes their unexpected English tutor and a source of emotional support. As they show her the beauty of their village, they navigate subtle changes in their relationships—sparking innocent crushes, confusion, and a gentle coming-of-age tension.

Set firmly in 1999, a time free from the clutches of digital distractions, the film beautifully captures the essence of innocence over the tumult of adolescence. Moments like their earnest “I am thank you” exercise serve as poignant emotional markers. Written and directed by Rohan Mapuskar, the story builds to a touching climax where Jaaie reflects on the boys’ friendship, blending humor with heartfelt emotion and leaving viewers with a warm sense of nostalgia.