The film locates itself in a pandemic-stricken world where a woman struggles to ensure her daughter does not miss her online classes. A smartphone is absolutely imperative for these classes, but Shalini’s young daughter, Aami accidentally broke theirs. 

Now Shalini struggles between jobs, even at the cost of her own well-being, to ensure that she somehow puts enough money together for a new phone. In the process, not only does the narrative draw a very clear boundary between the haves and the have-nots, but it does so without letting itself get consumed by sentimentalism. Inherent to the narrative is also the idea of the many sadnesses that many of us carry within. 

If for someone it is the struggle to make ends meet, for another it is being stuck in an oppressive job where you can only nod and suffer in silence at the hands of a cruel boss, and for yet another, it is the longing and memory of a lost loved one. Aami, the little daughter, too notices the sacrifices her mother makes while putting on a brave face all along, and it is primarily this courage and perseverance of character that the film preoccupies itself with, in a sincere, devoted manner.

Shalini | Short Film Nominee

Dreams, hopes, and sometimes the failures they lead one to, are inevitable parts of everyone's life, and the film engages with this proposition. Further, there is a reminder of how deeply failure can hit when you are constantly reminded of it by those around you, despite all your best efforts to overcome it. It is on these emotions that the narrative pivots, introducing the viewer to John, an aspiring actor who is working hard on getting an opportunity to act. As the story develops, it further brings in elements of the supernatural, magic and fantasy. When life offers the protagonist an easy route to make his dreams come true, what will he choose? There is also a portrayal of the manner in which he deals with his success and failure, especially when those who once rebuffed him, appear in his life again. The one sentiment that remains pervasive throughout the film is of warmth that emanates from, as well as reminds you, to never give up. This is further tied with a sense of morality that enable the protagonist to be a better person, also allowing the film an organic, fitting conclusion.

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