The film revolves around a tiny Himachal hamlet, where a little girl called Biniya enjoys the local spotlight because of her spectacular blue umbrella. There are many who covet it, and when it gets stolen, the village erupts with scandal.
"In the film, the umbrella symbolises the world," Vishal explains the metaphor. "It can mean anything to anyone, it is the expression of their desire. The umbrella is their greatest dream."
Bond adds, "The fable of the umbrella is symbolic of the fact that human generosity is greater than human greed."
Pankaj Kapur's character, Nandkishor, has an incredible Himachal accent, and the director gives all the credit to the virtuoso actor. "Pankajji caught the accent -- he is from Shimla, after all -- and from him we all caught it!"