The protagonist of the film is a performer of the traditional street theatre in Tamil Nadu, terukkuttu. While the art form in itself is marked by its age-old heritage, the protagonist of the film, a terukkuttu performer, is derided by the upper-caste members of his society. This, in turn, presents an important preoccupation of the film - caste politics and linked discrimination. 

Attention is further drawn to the financial troubles of the artist, and how they affect his life as a doting father who struggles to fulfill his son, Elango’s wishes. He has performed as the same character for thirty years, to the extent that his own identity has fused with his fictive persona, also giving him immense joy. Yet, worldly and monetary success remains elusive. The film begins as an homage to not only terukkuttu performers but to art and artists everywhere. It portrays the struggles of the protagonist as well as contrasts them against the life of another actor, one who has achieved success in his profession. By uniting the narratives of these two men, the film offers its story to the audience.

Canvas | Short Film Nominee

The film wants to weave a thrilling plot marked by psychosis, insanity and violence. It explores all of these elements by taking the viewer into the story of a girl and the strangeness of her experiences. A scene of romance and intimacy in a restaurant is soon changed into one defined by violence of a nightmarish reality. Matters then develop in an attempt to engage the viewer further with the plot, before finally revealing the truth (or the lack of it) of the situation during a heightened climax.

Boomerang  | Short Film Nominee

Inspired by true events executed by the infamous Zodiac serial killer, the film follows a masterful and slick copycat, terrorising primarily women. The hooded, devious weapon-bearer has a flair for the dramatic- he appreciates being challenged and yearns for his ‘victories’ to be publicized. 

After a string of gruesome murders, the killer has now set out to try new tricks for luring his victims and deceiving the authorities. One night, the police receive a distressed call. A scared, helpless man reaches out to the emergency helpline service, 911, and narrates the ordeal of hiding in the confines of his house, while an intruder attacks his family members. 

 It should be noted that the film's choice of its setting, characters, and a rescue operation that is entirely confined to the US in its portrayal, comes across as being incompatible with the rest of the narrative, especially for a story that is set in a country far from the West, with an Indian cast and crew. However, as for the hapless hostage, will the authorities be able to outsmart the perpetrator and rescue him in time?

Sanjai Chandrasekaran

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