The short film opens on a note that is diametrically opposite to the sentiment the narrative will eventually leave you with. The manner it adopts to unfold itself is endearing, innocent and sincere as it tells the story of a couple in quarantine. Within this confined existence, with only each other for company, what would be that object or act that will become a simple pleasure of their lives? And more importantly, what would be its significance? The film raises these questions, and provides an answer through convincing performances and notable chemistry of the characters. Without explicitly mentioning any of it, and in its own unique manner, it succeeds in presenting the viewer with a universal story of a household in lockdown.

A Simple Pleasure | Short Film of the Day

The film opens with a tight close up, a phone call and a lighthearted, fleeting engagement with the idea of gluttony, completely obscuring the plot developments that would come to haunt the viewer. Soon a premise is also put in place - a couple has recently moved into a new house where the previous tenants left almost all their belongings behind. There is further the mention of a microwave and the foul smell that has accompanied it. Little do you realise at first glance that it would be this seemingly inane object, an appliance, around which the entire plot would come to pivot. Events follow in quick successions thereafter as strange sounds begin to fill the space on screen, followed by disappearing pieces of meat. In the meantime, the man is also unable to locate his wife who had left earlier to attend a relative's funeral. The narrative of the film is interestingly constructed with moments that range from unease and thrill to extreme disconcertment, allowing it to be an entertaining and involving experience for the viewer.

The Hungry Ones | Short Film of the Day

The protagonist of the film, Rajat, is dealing with a traumatic emotional upheaval, the loss of his wife, Pritha, to the Covid-19 pandemic. This is coupled with the isolation of a locked down world which has further left him struggling to come to terms with the pain and grief. 
With only a sincere, close friend by his side, Rajat is gradually succumbing to his reality. The narrative explores all of these emotions, engaging with the different stages of grief. There is the attempt to talk about serious mental health concerns, and the adverse ways in which the pandemic worsened them. However, as for the protagonist, while things may seem extremely bleak on the horizon, could Rajat find it in him to accept the circumstance, and eventually, the strength to move on?

Pulse | Short Film Nominee

Given the contemporary political context, in India specifically, and the world over generally, conversation around dissent is gaining more and more prominence. The short film raises the same concern about the ability to speak out against wrongs being done in society, while forces more powerful than the wronged individual, try their best to use their sway to silence them. Employing the example of Delhi riots that made for extremely disturbing headlines of brutal violence earlier in 2020, the film shares the story of a journalist who has chosen the side of truth, even in the face of all kinds of threats and the jeopardy it puts her in. The dilemma, which forms the backbone of this narrative presented forth by the single-member-crew of the film, is about whether to safeguard one's own well-being or to risk it all for the sake of the greater good, and telling those stories to the world, which despite and because of the truth they carry, have the most lasting and adverse consequences.

The Article | 2020 Film Challenge

The short film follows a non-linear narrative to present its story of suspense, mystery and violence to the viewer. It is a Saturday night when the protagonist finds an unexpected guest at his house, immediately after engaging in something immensely questionable. The story then takes us back in time to portray the events that led up to it. The film is a dedicated endeavour to translate its plot on screen, and gives a glimpse into the dynamics of friendship, social protocol and a kind of loneliness, albeit a twisted one. Further, akin to its title, there is an echo of a false sense of calm, one that precedes and succeeds a storm.

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