If infidelity chooses to wriggle its way in between partners, it sometimes refuses to leave without causing a permanent change in the dynamics. While some may recover from the setback, for others it becomes the third component of their equation which is now changed in an irreversible manner. The short film pivots itself on the same premise and takes the viewer into one such instance. The plot, modelled on the short story The Suit by South African writer Can Themba, portrays how, when a husband catches his cheating wife red-handed, he refuses to express his dismay in any form of an emotional outburst. Instead, the infidelity takes the form of a perpetual presence in their marriage, quite literally. Additionally, while the parent text preoccupies itself with issues of race, the short film, comes to be associated with a class struggle between the members of the working class and those of the Indian upper-middle class. Though a little more fine-tuning of the overall product would have helped it to be more than what it already is, also an aspect that the team can gain from in their future projects, Haazri still exhibits an undeniable stillness and gravity of thought and approach that works notably to its advantage.

Haazri | Short Film Nominee

The film opens with the invocation of one of the most iconic crime films of all time, Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs. This is a very brave decision on the part of the filmmaker, to remind the viewer of a product of this category before they have even begin to participate with the story at hand. The horizon of expectation that has been put in place so far takes the audience into a robbery and the hullabaloo that has followed in its wake. The narrative ropes in double-crossing, betrayals, loyalty and a group of robbers that is fraught with selfish motives and convoluted schemes. There is a notable attempt by the filmmaker to maintain its tight pace, as is a dedication to performance by the cast. However, as all plans, that had been meticulously decided, continue to fall flat like domino chips, what will truly be the fate of the characters?

Mogham | Short Film Nominee

Trigger warning: sexual assault, graphic content 

Based on the pressing issue of sexual assault and women’s safety in the Indian subcontinent, the film follows the perpetrators of heinous crimes and the treatment meted out to them by the judicial system. When a woman's two-wheeler-vehicle breaks down in the middle of a deserted road, two goons take advantage of the circumstance to sexually assault her. A passer-by, trying to prevent the crime, is killed in the process too. 
The police soon rounds up the culprits after identifying them with the help of CCTV footage and conclusive DNA tests. It is against these developments that the film brings to life a discussion on the various loopholes within the justice system that are often exploited by perpetrators. There is further a vivid and graphic portrayal of police brutality and encounters, even though the narrative itself remains on the fence about its stand on the same and does not engage with the problematic aspects of these issues. On the whole, the final result aims at bringing awareness about crimes against women, along with hope for better administration and implementation of laws in the future.

Section 376 | Short Film Nominee

The short film attempts to portray the internal struggles of a young man who wants to dedicate time to his art and talent, yet finds himself confined by his other duties and responsibilities. While he may have the desire to perform like his favourite artist, Michael Jackson, his grades and studies continue to suffer, forcing him to choose one between the two. Even though giving up his passion might feel like a death in itself, perhaps that is the choice the protagonist would have to make in order to conform to society and all that it asks of him. The film wants to communicate the consequences of such a battle to its audience and leave them with a realisation of their own similar struggles within.

Insider - A Fight Within | Short Film Nominee

The short film wants to tell a comedic story that aims to normalise homosexuality. It endeavours the same primarily through a conversation between two men, flatmates, who discuss the love life and relationships of their third flatmate. The film wants to communicate its intentions using flights to fantasy, music and an exchange of quips and teasing between the two characters.
 However, it falls short for, though the ending might prove its intentions, the rest of the plot comes across as exhibiting strains of homophobia, sexism and ideas of toxic masculinity. The way the narrative talks about women or the manner in which society views gay men is actually more disconcerting than the good it wants to achieve through its story.

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