(Kottar) Aakkara Pacha  | Short Film Nominee

Short Film Nominee July 2, 2021

(Kottar) Aakkara Pacha

By Ann Mary Tom with 6.4

drama · Short Films · malayalam

Ann and Ritchie are on a quest to find the former's missing dog, Blacky. While we never see the faces of these two primary characters, their voices become constant companions of the viewer. As they take us from one end of Kollam, Kerala, to another, a reality of lush green frames and a peaceful existence within the lap of nature is conjured for you. Against the backdrop of idyllic outdoors, albeit marked every now and then by bright posters of political campaigns of different parties, the search continues.

Neighbors, enthusiastic children, residents of adjacent areas and an interaction with plants in all their might and glory are further roped in to enhance the narrative. The wild goose chase continues, but to no avail because even on the fourth day, there is no sign of Blacky's return. After having gone through spells of stress eating, despair and hopelessness, Ann finally relinquishes and decides to give herself a moment of quiet with her friend Ritchie on the roof of her house.

The moment allows the film to come a full circle, after allowing us glimpses of the endearing friendship between the two, the sense of community that pervades the whole space where everyone knows everyone, as well as an indomitable spirit of hope that remains undaunted even in the face of the most intimidating circumstances.
Read Less