The film opens with a beautiful frame of a lovely girl sitting inside a cafe, reading. In the background, a
radio jockey is discussing the topic ‘The Rights of Man’ in his programme and making commentaries on
the causes, flaws and the future of civilisation, as though laying the groundwork for the events that
are about to unfold that evening. It is almost midnight and a handsome stranger takes up a seat at the table
next to hers. He approaches her for a conversation. The setting is so charming, the viewer can’t help but
see it as serendipitous. As the conversation ensues, the girl's estranged lover arrives, and wreaks chaos
on the quiet. However, the girl and the stranger continue their story into the night, fulfilling the promise and the intention the film had opened on, perhaps even allowing the audience a fitting conclusion.

This Side Of Town | Short Film Nominee

The film is essentially a social commentary on a less talked about, but more than equally compelling issue. The manner of its approach, however, aims more at involving the viewer in the plight of the protagonist. This, in turn, enables it to tell an impactful story. 

The film is about a man who finds it increasingly difficult to hold on to a job, and therefore, he fails at bringing home a stable income. This leads to the breakdown of his marriage, as well as lack of proper resources required for raising his younger brother who lives with disability. The origin as well as the catalyst in all his problems remains drug abuse, further echoing the metaphor offered in the title, portraying how a human's existence is reduced to that of a stray animal. 

The narrative that is weaved is quiet, sharing all its intentions in a soft, sustained manner. The rough edges are few, and despite them, the film steers clear of sentimentalism, and eventually manages to present an engaging story to the viewer.

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