‘Hatheli’ is a film with a deep longing at its heart. It’s a story of unrequited love, and the yearning and heartache that is left behind in its wake. Four years ago, when Keshav could not bring himself to confess his love for his beloved, Sandhya, she was married off into a life of domesticity where Keshav could no longer reach her. <br><br>
The narrative utilizes wonderful poetry and metaphors to bring this reality to life. The end result is defined by the same lyricism, especially in terms of writing, along with performances and plot progression that exhibit potential and skill. Despite a few raw edges in terms of visuals, these various elements allow the end result of the film to succeed as a composite whole.

Hatheli | Short Film Nominee

The story is set in the aftermath of the Kargil war, fought between India and Pakistan in 1999. India has
been declared 'victorious' (the armed conflict was referred to as Operation Vijay, historically by the
Indian Defense Forces). A little girl is running across a street gleefully holding the Indian tricolour flag – not an uncommon image for a war film. <br><br> A Sikh soldier returns to his house in the village post the war; except that it is
not his house. The twist that the film takes is hard-hitting, and drives home the point that we most need
right now: a war is victory with no survivors. With a noble message at its heart, the film foregrounds for the viewer that death and pain do not discriminate based on which side is victorious, and thus, leave behind endless loss in their wake.

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