The concise narrative of ‘Mulaqat’ portrays a single exchange between two characters. A boy has run into a former school-mate of his. However, despite his best efforts, she is unable to recall him. Soon, an undercurrent of innocent attraction is established between the two as they continue with a stroll on the beach. The writing, storytelling and performances, all show dedication, and the desire to bring their intentions to life with sincerity. Despite a few rough edges in terms of production, the end result exhibits potential and should definitely serve as a stepping stone for more creative pursuits that are yet to come.

Mulaqat | Short Film Nominee

The story of the film opens on a dark note, both literally and figuratively. A seemingly homeless man, perhaps out on a trip of rag-picking, stumbles across an unconscious girl along an isolated road. Since her limbs are tied and her mouth is covered with tape, she is completely at his mercy. However, despite the atmosphere of foreboding being established so far, not only does he untie her, but also comes across as being indifferent to her presence. The first thing the girl mentions when she is untied is to ask for a phone while showing little to no signs of unease with the strange man before her. We learn more about her as the narrative progresses, revealing her to be a TikTok celebrity. At the same time, the film also wants to tell a story of sociopaths, violence and brutal deaths. Though it could have achieved this a little more effortlessly with better utilisation of its lighting, and visual clarity, all of these elements still eventually come together to give way to a very sinister set of events in an attempt to horrify its audience.

Gumnaam Badnaam | Short Film Nominee

When we are first introduced to the plot, it presents a setting marked by a young couple. With the girl dressed in all her finery, and accompanied by a boy, a trip to a temple is then portrayed for the viewer. So far we may have been led to believe that the two are about to get married, but the consequent developments puncture this possibility. While it seems a little unusual for the girl to be dressed as formally as she is, to meet a close friend at a remote temple, the narrative offers an honest endeavor of storytelling. The attempt perhaps is to look at the many dynamics and complexities of relationships, friendship and love.

Dil He Dil Mein | Short Film Nominee

The narrative is about the internal fears and the constant threat to security women live with. Four women go out of town for a short trip and all they wish to do is get some drinks and be with each other in a hotel. However, in a world where simply stepping out of the house leaves women vulnerable, despite some well-meaning men, their experience ends up being far from that. As past traumas are triggered, the story further draws attention to the perpetual patriarchal oppression women struggle with on a daily basis.

A Call Trip | Short Film Nominee

The setting in the film is of a beach where an older man is shown romantically involved with a young girl. The narrative progresses to both confuse and shock the viewer about the nature of this relationship. The short film attempts a conversation around the idea of incest and all that it could potentially entail - from mental health to emotional manipulation of situations. Trying to be a commentary on relationships and human bonds which might not always fit within the acceptable, normative structure, Maraasim explores the idea of love when it is the most forbidden fruit of them all.

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