The film opens with an emotional scene of a woman speaking to her divorced husband. The moment soon reveals itself to be a rehearsal for an audition, followed soon after by a mundane work day that begins for our protagonist, Samsa. 

After having recently battled divorce herself, Samsa is now about to bring seismic changes into her life, and embark on a journey of following her dreams, starting with enrolling in an expensive American school of acting. 
Despite having overcome tremendous challenges, her path is still far from becoming easy and straightforward, as the viewer soon realizes. 
The film’s journey from each of these points to the other is constructed with care, investment of thought, and a sincerity that is notably evident in the screenplay as well as plot progression. This is most strongly shouldered by a remarkable performance, ensuring that each of these moments is portrayed with authenticity. There is a slight loosening of control when it comes to the overall production value of the end result, but one which is easy to overlook in the face of the film's efficient utilization of its strengths.

The Road Not Taken | Spotlight

Two boys are about to do a strip of a hard drug, being little to completely unprepared for what is to come. Parallel to this is another scene, a heated argument unfolding between the parents of the protagonist who are deeply unhappy with their son. The bitterness and resentment continue to build on both sides, exacerbated by drugs, until the film crescendos into a point of no return. The true strength of the narrative lies in the manner in which the screenplay is constructed to portray the swiftly unraveling state of intoxication. The edit, musical choices as well performances, all supplement it in the most fitting manner (notwithstanding a few rough edges in sound dubbing). The final result maintains its tautness and energy throughout, constructing a narrative that both engages and entertains.

Pash | Spotlight

The film establishes its messaging in the title itself and foregrounds the idea of oppressive cycles of misogyny that are passed down from one generation to another simply because no one breaks the silence. The narrative deals with the several dehumanizing practices around menstruation, and how the stigma not only places an unnecessary burden on women and girls but also endangers their health. 
It explores all of this by way of a household in a rural part of India where the grandmother is the biggest enforcer of patriarchy, being openly sexist and misogynistic in her treatment of her two grandchildren. Alongside asserting that sometimes women are the biggest upholders of patriarchy, 'Silent Cycle' also presents the far-too-common binary of a household that worships a goddess but treats its women with immense disrespect. This is portrayed by way of notable performances and a straightforward narrative that ropes in sentimentalism and direct communication of all of these ideas.

Silent Cycle | Spotlight

At first glance, the film presents an objective, fly-on-the-wall perspective on a sensitive topic that has polarized opinions for a while now. A chasm between the ideologies of the left and the right is presented to the viewer through an interview with a theatre artist. While he speaks of religious harmony, the journalist, quite evidently clear in his sympathies towards one ideology, and very openly critical of the theatre actor, constantly pushes to make the interview as colorful as possible. 

By way of the words articulated by the actor, a comment is offered on the sensationalization of news at the cost of the very fabric and identity of India as a nation. The film, complete with a notable protagonist, is concise and unequivocal on the two schools of thought that are portrayed, in addition to sharing its views on mindless hate and what the consequences can be for someone who dares to question it.

Anti National | Spotlight

The film opens with a quote that establishes the horizon of expectation for the viewer - the constant effort that is needed to nurture and harbor love, to ensure its flame never dims. The narrative breaks itself into three courses of a dinner, but the stages come to stand less for the food itself, and more for the progress of a very crucial conversation that has the power to determine the fate of the relationship we are presented with. 
As the story progresses, the writing, alongside noteworthy performances and the chemistry of the actors, presents a thoughtful exploration of the myriad nuances and complexities that make a relationship. With the passage of time, and the many overwhelming challenges it ushers in, a relationship can morph into something truly alienating and isolating. The film, thus, becomes a story of two people finding their way back to companionship, away from this isolation. The screenplay and narratorial progression ensure that all of these various parts are allowed a sincere engagement and portrayal all along.

First Time | Spotlight

The film opens on a seemingly harmless, and potentially uplifting note - the start of a new family. A loving couple celebrates a pregnancy in a world that has just begun to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic. While they rejoice in the news, a box of crayons and a burning cigarette never truly leave the frame. 

The film then moves forward by a couple of years. The family has survived the pandemic, but another more sinister enemy is yet to be vanquished - the addiction to smoking. The film gives a glimpse into how devastating such an addiction can be, not simply for one individual and their health, but also for their loved ones and families. 

Additionally, there is a suggestion of how easy it can be to take comfort in a habit as terrible as this during a moment of weakness, but a reminder of its consequences, alongside the call from a loved one, holds the power to prevent someone from going down this path. Though a few rough edges appear briefly when it comes to the construction of the screenplay, the short film remains unwavering and steadfast in the articulation and portrayal of all of these intentions.

Crayyons | Spotlight

Mahesh is a very busy professional who is in a key position in a big company. However, on the day the film opens, he is preoccupied with not business matters. Instead, a child’s sketch of a tree is what has caught his attention. As he quickly wraps up his day in the middle of the afternoon, the narrative establishes that there indeed exists something more important than all the worldly successes and wealth he may have amassed so far. 
The plot moves back in time, introducing us to a young Mahesh, brought to life most ardently by the actor, who possesses a deep love for all living things that constitute nature. A closer look at his life reveals he has inherited this selflessness from his father, and now, is unable to focus on his studies, or find any joy beyond his friendship with a peepal tree, and in the birds and other parts of nature.
And now, after all these years, Mahesh once again makes his way back to his childhood haunts, only to be met with an unexpected development. 

As the story is woven around all of these developments, the film presents a relevant comment about the importance of trees when it comes to our existence, alongside drawing viewers' attention to the damaging consequences of deforestation. The comment it makes is comprehensive and sincere and brought to life by the notable dedication and effort of the cast and crew. The articulation remains clear and eventually underlines how humans can sometimes be their own worst enemy while indulging themselves in the delusion of progress and growth.

Peepal | Spotlight

The film opens on an oppressively despondent note. All of us at some point have felt the overwhelming burden of a rut, of a mundane life that is constituted by living the same day over and over again. Our protagonist is located at the heart of one such circumstance. 
Even on his birthday, the emptiness and isolation of his lackluster life have left him drunk and alone in his car. However, when his path crosses with two men in an unlikely manner, a story of thrill and foolhardy behavior commences, a story that is never devoid of humor and inherent bonhomie. The two constantly define the situation as the protagonist now finds himself celebrating his twenty-ninth birthday with four men living a life vastly different from his. 
The chemistry of the actors, and the performances they bring to life, embellish the film markedly. The result is an honest glimpse into a problem that often plagues urban existence, and presents storytelling, and world-construction that exhibit deep potential and must be explored further in future projects.

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