‘Nadigar Pandi’ is a film that is sure to stay with you for a long time. It is honest and hard-hitting. The poignancy it brings to life on screen is effortless, and succeeds in creating an impactful effect on the audience. 

The eponymous protagonist is a struggling actor who has been trying his luck, and skill in the field for over three decades, as he is quick to remind and repeat throughout the course of the narrative. There is a suggestion of bitterness and resentment, but there is also integrity and self-respect. Despite all the obstacles, which include severe monetary tribulation and the ensuing practical problems, there is no regret or self-doubt about his decision to be an actor. 

The film does a seamless, elegant job of tying all of these emotions together, as well as presenting a protagonist that is powerful and unforgettable. The viewer remains engaged all along in the fate of Nadigar Pandi, who we meet on a very crucial day of his life, and cannot help, but find themselves deeply invested in what eventually follows.

Nadigar Pandi | Short Film Nominee

Using elements of suspense and thrill, the short film conjures its narrative and leaves the viewer shocked as the events come to culminate. The story is simply of an actor trying to succeed at an audition. However, when things take a turn for the worse, what unexpected, fateful events would come to define the course of his life?

The Audition | Lockdown Film Challenge

The films brings to life a very raw, visceral sensuality on screen that, though is always only spoken of in hushed whispers, is an undeniable part of human existence, for better or worse. It weaves the trajectories of several characters together to share its intentions. The viewer has to patiently watch and pay close attention to the overlaps so that all of them are able to form a cohesive whole. Amidst this world of sexual hungers, is also an existence marked by the efforts of struggling actors, of lovers' quarrels, homosexual undercurrents and sexual harassment allegations. The bottomline that the film draws is that each character has their own bit to chew, their own hurdles to overcome, albeit of vastly different nature. Consequently, as they move from one occurrence to another, a chaos of heightened energy ensues that can only conclude in a manner that is deeply shocking for both the characters and the audience.

Freudian Slip | Short Film Nominee

The narrative is well-meaning, and aims to add to the conversation around a very pressing concern. While showing the isolation and mental duress of its protagonist, it portrays how despair can force someone into taking an irrevocable, extreme step. There is also a comment on suicide prevention within the story. 
Through its writing, the film aims to share all of these ideas, while also attempting to surprise the viewer with its progression. It presents its events in a manner that catches them unaware, deliberately so, while all along emphasizing the importance of kindness, and value of life.

Perception | Short Film Nominee

The film is a story of violence, deceit and jealousy. It takes us into the lives of two actors, Arjun and Johnny. While the former seems to be climbing the ladder of success with sturdiness, the latter is far from that, leaving him with bitter resentment instead. Arjun might still view Johnny with kindness, but a far different story is forming within his friend. As matters come to a head, a terribly dark development makes its presence felt. The short film further aims to embellish itself with stylistic choices and plot points to keep the viewer engaged, all the while endeavoring to entertain them right till the end.

Johnny Artist | Short Film Nominee

Locating itself in the mid-twentieth century, the short film takes us into the life of a theatre actor who finds it increasingly difficult to find work. With the rise of cinema, and a consequent fall in the popularity of theatre, he is desperate to earn any money that will come his way. As a result, when an unexpected project lands at his doorstep, it seems like a harbinger of good news, until the actor makes his way to the film set. Adapting its narrative from Satyajit Ray's short story Patol Babu, Film Star, along with the format of a silent film, complete with a playful background score and title cards, the film presents its story to you in a lighthearted manner.

Patol Babu  | Short Film Nominee

Me & I wants to be a motivational story of hope and dreams, and the rewards of a ceaseless pursuit. The portrayal of the same is attempted through a conversation between two men. 

Over a course of time, their exchanges reveal some deeply surprising information. Though future projects perhaps can gain from a tighter control on its sound and storytelling, in its current form, the video wants to share its message by way of a phone conversation an aspiring actor is having with an unnamed superstar.

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