Against the hinterland of 2014 rural India, when it is still untouched by technology and the internet, and is instead marked by child marriages and walls covered with social messaging about covered toilets, the film allows its narrative to develop. One morning, three school boys (who choose to refer to their eleventh grade school as 'college', a notably authentic touch to the story), find a smartphone. As a scuffle ensues regarding the ownership of the phone, the desire for internet has also begun to stretch its limbs in their imagination. While the story is still establishing its premise, a new girl comes into the village and is soon the inhabitant of the only house with a wireless internet connection in the area. The film, marked by its lovely visuals and camerawork, allows the WiFi at her house to be the common pin that holds the entire plot together. It is also the pivot on which the film rotates, bringing in several emotions - of friendship, young love, loyalty, mischief and an eventual acceptance. It is fresh and contemporary of the right kind in its premise, sincere in its attempt to localise the story and successful in tying all of these elements together in an organic, cohesive narrative.

WiFi | Short Film of the Day

When the film opens with two men, the viewer is unlikely to assume them to be lovers, and yet, it is this normalisation and the instinctive, quiet acceptance of heteronormativity that it wants you to question. The narrative slowly develops to introduce you to the conflicted situation the characters are in - whether or not to reveal the true nature of their romantic relationship to their respective families and those around them? As is true of any Indian household, the pressure to get married is mounting, along with the attempts of other women in general to try their luck with them. It is amidst such a scenario that the debate arises between the two partners where they are both located on opposite sides of the conversation - while one is in favour of revealing his sexuality, the other isn't. The film offers an insightful glimpse into into the dynamics of homosexuality in a society that has chosen to silence, repress or simply ignore queer identities. It also speaks of pressures and fear of rejection, remaining relatable and sincere in its portrayal of the same, at the same time making it appear effortless with a seamless flow of the conversation between the characters. They are further marked by a notable chemistry, enhancing the story further. The only department where the film loses crucial points is in the visual quality and experience.

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