The fact that this short film was made in fifty hours as part of a filmmaking contest deserves special mention. Add to it an experimental, almost dreamlike treatment by Aditya Sharma and Parallax succeeds at disconcerting the viewer with its portrayal of abusive relationships and violence against women. A strong performance by Deeksha Joshi is another aspect that earns appreciation. The film applies the parallax effect to the visuals to bring to life a narrative that emphasises its theme 'Everything is Connected'. As women continue to navigate their presence in public spaces and at home, Parallax becomes a skilled and relevant take on gender, consent and sexual violence.

Parallax | Short Film of the Day

The film is a lighthearted glimpse into the many complexities of two men figuring out their respective romantic relationships, and both having found the same tool to employ here - Taylor Swift. Through their struggle to understand and pretend their identities as Swifties, the narrative comes into existence. 
The subsequent story is an earnest, endearing rambling of two young men and their uncertainties, doubts, and fears when it comes to the women in their lives, Yamini and Avantika. Though we never see them on screen, the women constantly influence this conversation, eventually leading this buddy film-esque narrative home, keeping its tonality steadfast. Overlooking very slightly rough edges in the sound department, the screenplay remains seamless and efficient, as does the tying of insightful ideas with popular culture. This, in turn, results in a perfect nexus and representation of contemporary relationships and their nuances.

(Taylor's Version) | Spotlight

The film does a skilled job of capturing the futility of an existence which is entrapped within a cycle of violence. While the protagonist might make all attempts to steer himself clear of it, will he truly succeed? The narrative also adeptly handles the fear and apprehensions of being alone on a dark street at a late hour. Along with offering a portrayal of a world which might seem arbitrary in who it chooses as victims of violence, the film further becomes a powerful comment on how a seemingly innocent taxi driver finds himself at the eye of the storm. There is an attempt to also explore the darkness of the human mind, and perhaps even invoke existential dread, raising the question - would he still be innocent and non-violent if he finds himself up against the wall?

Paarth Saarathi | Short Film of the Day

In yet another offering of the 50 Hour Challenge of the India Film Project, two magicians sit in a room, fighting it out at which of the two is better. As the narrative progresses, the viewer realises how it's a regular ritual of sorts between the two. While the concept and idea deserves a mention, unfortunately the product in itself is not remarkable. The sound is out of synchronisation, and while Bianca Nazareth Arya's performance could be a highlight of the film, the rest of it is not the best it could have been.

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