‘Chaukhat’ is an efficiently handled engagement with a single afternoon in the life of its protagonist. The moment and its analysis is sufficient to not only give the viewer a glimpse into her life, but to also raise relevant points about the location of women within marriage as well as the domestic, familial space. 

After a busy morning, Seema is on her way to work for a crucial meeting. However, right ahead of this, her husband, Naveen informs her that his parents are coming over for lunch, ensuring that Seema has to drop everything and head back home to get the household in order for the visit. 

Even though we see an endearing equation shared within Naveen and Seema's marriage, the parents, especially the father, is expected to be far from that in his approach to the couple. The many complexities of the situation are presented to the viewer in a sincere, authentic manner, capturing the anxiety plaguing the circumstance. It is in the exploration of these nuances that the film comes into its own, eventually offering a balanced, wholesome story to the viewer.

Chaukhat | Short Film Nominee

Contrary to a sense of optimism or vast spaces invoked by the title, the film locates itself in the confined reality of a locked down world. The protagonist, isolated inside her small apartment, only has a faceless companion by her side, her loyal friend Sambhav, who we never see on screen. As we go deeper and deeper into this bond shared between the two, a world of past trauma, loss, isolation and its effects on mental health, a crucial revelation about Sambhav, and lastly, the strength within, is portrayed for the viewer. There is also the endeavor to explore ideas of hope and despair, ensconcing themselves within the narrative, as it eventually ties them all with the title.

Most Viewed

Genres

Awards

Follow Us

Quick Links