Getting rapping to Mumbai streets is this 25-year-old artist Naved Shaikh (aka Naezy). Trying to turn away from a life of delinquency, young Naved found himself turning to poetry. Soon his father gifted him an iPad, and since then there has been no turning back. Posited between his religious identity, the expectations of his parents and his love for rapping in the vernacular, Naved attempts to use hip hop to fight regressive ideologies and bring change in society. The short film narrates the struggles of an aspiring artist in the most honest and skilful manner. It's visual language is in direct relation with the music created by the protagonist on his iPad. While Bombay 70, titled thus after the part of Mumbai Naved comes from, introduces the viewer to the rapper, it also manages to incorporate his music and art with its narration and storytelling, making it a well-rounded, wholesome product.

Bombay 70 | Short Film of the Day

In an ideal world, all religions have one name and that's faith. It unites all devotees and believers with a common thread, and this short film gives us a glimpse of this perfect universe. Hind takes the viewer into the life of Noorul Hasan, a Muslim from Lucknow, who gave away a part of his house to rebuild a temple. In a world which is constantly in the grasp of hate-mongering and sensationalist headlines, this film by Sumit Aroraa is the kind of art we need. Even in the face of all communal disharmony being perpetrated by a few for their own motives, there is another aspect of the picture which is more colourful and beautiful and therefore should be looked at closely. It's these colours that Hind will draw your attention to, and leave you with a sense of hope and love, irrespective of how dark things may seem.

Hind | Short Film of the Day

The video is a visual treat of the most stunning transitions and beautiful shots used to introduce the viewer to the Pink City of Jaipur. As two foreigners go about the city, experiencing its cuisine, music, art and culture, the camera follows them closely, swiftly and smoothly moving from one space to another. The film exhibits skilful writing and construction of the narrative with its carefully planned cinematography which refuses to falter at any point throughout the entire film. Despite its short length, the film packs a powerhouse of expertise and an eye for conjuring a strong narrative.

Albelo Jaipur | Short Film of the Day

What are the stories and daily struggles that Mumbai, the city of dreams, as they call it, hides behind its shininess and the hustle bustle? The short film attempts to unearth just one of the many. The narrative makes its way through pain, poverty and survival, finally culminating into hope and the indomitable human spirit which would fight against all odds. The story of a vada pav vendor at a local station becomes an ode to this city which harbours diversity, respect for survival and above all, kindness.

₹5 Vada Pav Wala | Short Film of the Day

When the character is strong, the plot finds its own way and the story tells itself. This short film goes ahead to prove precisely that. Dadi Ki Rasoi is a beautiful documentation of a man's efforts to make this world a better place. Noida resident Anoop Khanna has been selling meals to locals at as low a price as Rs 5 since 2015. In a world where things sometimes seem too bleak for comfort, attempts like his remind you that all is not lost just yet. Echoing the same thought, Khanna accepts that if an action is willed with a clean heart, it is bound to prosper and thrive. Here's a reminder that when all is said and done, just doing your bit to help society is sometimes more than enough.

Dadi Ki Rasoi | Short Film of the Day

The short video is brief, but impactful. In its concise manner, it carries forth a powerful message - one of taking immediate and swift action against irresponsible sale of acid. The non-fiction narrative follows a social experiment in which several actors, posing to be customers, solicit local shops to purchase acid. In the process, the video reveals how easy it is to procure a bottle of a liquid that can destroy and alter someone's life permanently. The team manages to get twenty-four litres of acid in one day, further accentuating the disconcerting reality of Indian society. Despite several guidelines by the Supreme Court of India that regulate the sale of acid, their implementation as well as the ground reality is far from it. The video, on the whole, is a skilful weaving of elegant camerawork and convincing scenes, and succeeds at its attempts of raising awareness against the menace of acid attacks.

Won’t Buy Won’t Sell | Chhapaak | Deepika Padukone, Vikrant Massey, Meghna Gulzar

The coronavirus has wreaked havoc on society in several ways, be it financial, or in terms of health. It has completely shattered our notions of normalcy or what was once considered normative in terms of how we interacted with our professional and personal life. This has been caused by the complete blurring of the lines between the home and the world, and the documentary film is an engagement with the same thought. 

As the name suggests, it takes the viewer into the work-from-home lifestyle of a teacher, and delves into the several aspects of this change that the pandemic forced on her. While juggling household chores and her duties towards her students becomes a daily reality, the narrative invoked to communicate all of this remains controlled and quiet. It does not take shelter in any ornate devices or ostentation, or even spiral away its energy in a feverish fervour. This, in turn, becomes a decision that allows it to succeed at sharing not a story of grandeur and loftiness, but one marked by the mundane and everyday chores. 

Within its folds also lies a comment about the location of women in society where they straddle domesticity as well as the professional space in a manner that is not expected of men. In the process, the film offers an endearing, honest and sincere story, enabled and enhanced specifically by its tone and approach of subtlety and calmness.

Portrait of a Teacher  | Short Film of the Day

The documentary takes the viewer into the life of Indian rapper Emiway Bantai. From his struggles to his process of making music - the film engages with all the aspects of the creation of his art. The first part of a series by Red Bull, the episode delves into the mind of the rapper and emerges with a detailed breakdown of his individual style of rapping. The film is an editing feat achieved most seamlessly, and yet, made to look effortless. Without its surreal, magical edit, very much in tandem with the theme of the episode and its subject, the film won't be the wonderful product it is. The subsequent episodes of the series will further introduce you to the processes and passion of actors, artists, standup comics, dancers, designers, filmmakers, athletes and more.

Emiway Bantai - The Mind Behind | Short Film of the Day

Could love truly be the answer to all human conflict? Maybe yes, suggests this short film. With its detailed narrative and expert camerawork that perfectly capture the stunning images of Kashmir, My Kashmir Love Story becomes a romance with the Valley. As media headlines ravage this magnificent place, the film is a reminder of how life in Kashmir is no different from life in any other part of the world. Yes, there is turmoil, and yes, it does affect the day-to-day business of people inhabiting it, but that is only a small part of a huge picture. At the end of the day, all that anyone wants is peace. So, though the visit to this part of India may have left the narrator feeling sad and dejected, but the hope that love will one day conquer all lives in his heart, as it does in the heart of Kashmiris.

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