Trigger warning: The purpose of art is to reflect all that is wrong with society, to trigger thoughts that lead to reformative action. Agli Baar succeeds in doing precisely that - holding up the mirror to a very ugly reality of the world we live in. Not for the emotionally fragile, the short film is for an audience which is willing to swallow the bitter truths of a society divided on the lines of religion, class and a mindlessly rigid sense of community. It further invokes the idea that while we may choose to ignore them and be mute spectators to the wrongs being done around us, we are not immune to the agents of evil which may target us next.

Agli Baar | Short Film of the Day

The film follows a non-linear narrative to give a glimpse into the life of a group of friends preparing to have a little celebration around New Year's time. It juxtaposes a chaotic, anxiety-ridden situation of a hospital, against a potentially cheery night of drinking, fun and frolic. Expectedly, this only serves to involve the viewer deeper into the story. The narrative develops most seamlessly and effortlessly, putting forth its dilemmas and stressors in a convincing manner. It is further embellished with strong performances, notable chemistry between the actors and the perfect capturing of tension that comes to form the core of the film. Attempting an engagement with the ideas of guilt, accountability, carelessness that leads to life-altering disasters, agony and relationship dynamics, Custody proves to be a well-paced, balanced product that remains an engrossing viewing experience throughout.

Custody | Pick of the Festival Circuit

The short film is funny, endearing and moving in equal measure. A teenaged girl gets her first period. While her mother, a gynaecologist, is at work, the only other adult at home is her father. His unpreparedness, but willingness to help, the girl's initial inability to understand what's going on and the mother's successful attempts of normalising menstruation - all fit in the narrative most smoothly. There is a little coming-of-age present hidden away by her mother at home that helps her get past it all, and finally manage to smile. The father, after educating himself using the good, old internet, is also ready with a hot water bottle and a chocolate dessert. In a country like India, where a majority of mothers consider periods 'dirty' and fathers choose to remain unaware, Her First Time carries a relevant message - to accept menstruation as a normal, biological process.

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