The story opens and closes with a suggestion of social media, an unmissable presence that will come to pervade the entire plot in a subtle manner. It is the distance that the film covers in between that endeavors to horrify and shock the viewer. This is supplemented by the portrayal of primarily one development - the arrival of a book at the protagonist’s doorstep. It is a cozy, wintery night, the lights are dim, the room warm, and yet, it soon becomes apparent that something sinister lurks underneath this image of domesticity. Even though the film loses some points when it comes to lighting, it remains equipped with elements of storytelling that will engage and involve the viewer all along.

The Book Trend | Short Film Nominee

‘Shinakht’ holds a steady mirror to communal violence and the bigotry that leads to it. The film does not shy away from raising pertinent questions where a man’s very right to existence and respect is reduced to his surname, and how identifying it not only echoes the film's title but also becomes the primary force that thrusts the narrative forth. 

 A man arrives to deliver food. However, the man of the house is completely preoccupied with knowing his full name, to ascertain whether his food has been delivered by someone belonging to his own community. The extent to which he goes for this piece of information pronounces the core message of the film, one about mindless violence in the name of an imagined identity. 

The protagonist's performance is convincing in the repulsion it generates within the viewer with his aggression and absolute erasure of marginalized identities. Though not entirely devoid of a little rawness in terms of some aspects of production, the story exhibits deep potential. The narrative-building and storytelling should definitely be developed further in future projects.

Most Viewed

Genres

Awards

Follow Us

Quick Links