The film constructs its world gingerly, revealing each detail in an organic manner. Twenty-three-year-old Raghav is on his way to meet a woman as part of some seedy arrangement. However, he is in for the most horrifying shock when he finds his fate hanging between a life of ruin, or eternal damnation in a purgatory consumed by only lust. The decision of this outcome is in the hands of the eponymous Gumraaj, the younger brother of Yamraj, whose raison d'etre is to punish and control a humankind gone astray. 

While Raghav’s life may be of youth, it is not devoid of darkness, licentiousness, and indulgence dictated by misogyny, unrestricted lust, and objectification of women. By presenting a story that weaves in elements of horror, thrill, and fantasy, the film presents a social commentary on all of these issues. Care is taken to ensure it does not become an overbearing morality tale, instead remaining engaging and thoughtful throughout for the viewer. Consequently, the film’s world-building and storytelling become its most notable strengths. The performances, as well as the chemistry between the two primary characters, further support the endeavor. 

 

The end result loses some points when it comes to the seamlessness of the edit, but it is a small characteristic, easy to overlook in the face of the realm that the film conjures. The developments remain unexpected and meaningul, forever sustaining and maintaining the motivations of its characters as well as the plot that, in turn, keep pushing the film forward.

Gumraaj | Short Film Nominee

The entirety of the film is a first-person narrative about a man’s rumination on his city, the national capital of Delhi. From its class divisions and the deep chasm of the haves and the have-nots, to his own location in society, the voice conjures it all for the viewer. 

As we get introduced to him further, we find out about a failed relationship, the consequent heartbreak, the struggle to hold on to a job and the overlap of the world within with the world without. Gradually, the voice begins to turn towards ennui, being jaded, and eventually, to bitter resentment. 

Though the narrative could have gained from a little tautness and crispness, the length still allows this eventual progression to be organic and efficient. There is also a sincere attempt to engage with a fractured psyche and its eventual deterioration until it has reached the point of no return. In the process, a balanced final result, marked by the devoted desire to share its story, comes into being.

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