The film opens on a light note, beguiling the true sentiment that would come to constitute its core. Despite its short duration, Kandh De Paar skilfully touches upon several things that include one's sense of identity, notions of idealism juxtaposed against those of realism, minority persecution as well as an internal ideological battle of the protagonist. Visually, the narrative aims to play with sound (perhaps suggesting a delicate handling of violence) and all that unfolds on screen (red shadows cast on characters, for instance). The beginning of the narrative is simply a chaotic Sikh household dealing with its daily bickering and confusion. However, it immediately progresses to reveal a far darker reality that simmers just below the surface, one of the persecution of the Sikhs in 1984 in the wake of the assassination of the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Both Taranjit Kaur and Guneet Singh Nanda bring the story to life with their notable performances and draw the viewer deep into it beyond the point of no return. It should be added that the film does indeed lose brownie points in the department of sound and certain camera angles which could gave gained with a little more polishing and sophistication. However, on the whole, it succeeds at presenting a moving portrayal of a gory and disturbing chapter of Indian history.

Kandh De Paar| Short Film of the Day

Saira has gone to great extents to surprise her boyfriend on his birthday, and yet, when Amar arrives at the venue, things are far from pleasant and merry. As the narrative develops, it introduces us to past baggage that still holds Amar captive, keeping him from truly appreciating or loving his partner. Left in a consequent fix, Saira dedicates herself entirely to making the relationship work, but to little avail. The film experiments with its stylistic and narratorial approaches to conjure a reality marked by drugs and their effects on Amar's experience of the night, his relationship with pain and the manner in which it comes to affect his relationship with Saira. The final result becomes a notable attempt to achieve all of this, exhibiting the team's dedication to bring its story, along with its myriad elements, to life.

Nayan Tarse | Short Film Nominee

A story of four characters - Rinki, Karan, Shalu and Shakeel, 'UnBlock' attempts to weave a tale of thrill, suspense and things eventually spiralling into absolute chaos. Rinki and Karan have been speaking over social media for barely two days when the former comes down all the way from Mumbai to the latter's city for a surprise meeting. Despite the initial unease and awkwardness, things seem to be going well for the young couple until...a terrible, violent act occurs. 

As the characters are consumed by its aftermath, with Rinki feeling the burden of misguided guilt and blaming herself for an irrevocable act, the conclusion of this specific tale presents itself to you. The story ends at a moment in time with the characters' fate shrouded entirely by ambiguity, perhaps leaving the door open for either subsequent parts, or the viewer's own interpretation of what has unfolded before them so far.

UnBlock | Short Film Nominee

Drawing attention to an act of kindness, the short film engages with an idea of helping others. It aims to communicate this by showing a man observe different people in the same situation. As he sits to have his cup of tea at a local stall, people of all age groups and social strata come and go. The different interactions and the protagonist’s observation of them further drives the point about the transcendence of giving. It surpasses all religious, cultural and financial barriers, reminds the film to the viewer, allowing it to be a social commentary on the act of helping each other out, especially in times of need.

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