The short film explores the many facets of motherhood as well as of right and wrong. The overarching question it attempts to raise is if the outcome can be seen as the index for judging a difficult decision. Maa is about a struggle between a woman and her elder son regarding treatment of her younger son's addiction. The visuals employ dimly-lit frames to invoke a sense of darkness that clouds the lives of the characters. With strong performances and mature writing, the film delivers a well-rounded product.

Maa | Dino Morea | Neena Kulkarni | Vivaan Shah | Short Film of the Day

Delirium is a skilled execution of an entire story within the confines of a single room. With a notable performance by its only actor, the film weaves a narrative of a young man struggling with heartbreak. As it progresses, it further presents to the viewer visuals and editing that exhibit potential. The plot develops to introduce us with the protagonist's relationship with intoxicants, and eventually reveals a reality opposite of what the viewer might have expected. Though the film would have benefited from a tighter pace and a more subtle background score, its simple story is told with a sincerity and honesty that is hard to miss. It further gives a glimpse into an individual's battle with substances, as well as emotional blackholes, both of which threaten to pull him back inside at the slightest negligence and loss of control. On the whole, the story manages to involve its audience to the extent that it is in the triumphs of the protagonist that their triumph lies.

Delirium | Short Film of the Day

The isolation that has entered and ensconced itself in our lives following the coronavirus lockdown is a disturbing, but also an undeniable aspect of our lived reality. In the case of those already struggling with mental health issues or showing any signs of substance abuse, the quarantine and lockdown is capable of wreaking immense havoc. The short film attempts to draw attention to the same issue, thereby reminding the viewer to remember to stretch an offer of help where necessary, and be mindful of each others' individual struggles.

Window of the Soul | Lockdown Film Challenge

‘Waste’ is a deeply entertaining film, fresh in its approach and storytelling, ensuring that you are amused and involved throughout. The film ropes in a background score that works wonderfully in its favor as it introduces you to a woman who works as a daily wage labourer. While she may have to deal with a life of physical labor and corrupt bosses who withhold her due, that is not exactly what the film is about. 

Our protagonist is the most unlikely character, with the most unlikely proclivities in life. Despite a little inconsistency in the visuals, it is through the exploration of these that the narrative not only shares its intentions, but also eventually leaves you with its core message, one that has already been pronounced in the film's title.

Waste | Short Film Nominee

‘Sugar’'s approach to storytelling and visual treatment shows investment of thought, and attention to detail. The film spends a sufficient amount of time dealing with metaphors, symbolism and a stylistic approach that utilizes all of them judiciously. Despite the dreaminess that it wants to bring to the visuals, as colors and frames bleed and mingle with one other, the primary concern that the film wants to discuss is very rooted in the real world. By introducing us to Arjun and Maya, the narrative starts a conversation on addiction and its devastating effects on people and interpersonal relationships. At the heart of it all, rests Sugar, the eponymous antagonist who is more than she appears to be at first glance. When all of these elements are brought together, the film’s well-meaning story is presented to the viewer.

Sugar | Short Film Nominee

Addiction and substance abuse are behind several malpractices in society that include violence, self-afflicted and that which is meted out to others, suicide and loss of precious human potential. The short film does a notable job of drawing our attention to this issue. It employs a smooth edit, and complementary visuals to share its intentions, while also revealing the underbelly of seedy drug deals between unsuspecting youth, and peddlers who care for little beyond their money. On the whole, the film becomes a relevant narrative about a very pressing issue. The same is presented to us by portraying the plight of the hapless protagonist who battles the demons of addiction in a lonely, isolated corner of his life.

Aaa - Addiction Alert Awake | Short Film Nominee

The plot of the short film is an interesting take on the myth of Sisyphus and how it applies to contemporary times where a deep infestation of technology has taken over our lives. Using the reference of the Greek king who was punished by the gods to be stuck in an endless cycle of pushing a boulder up a mountain to only have it rolled back at the end of the climb, the film invokes the same sense of cyclicality and entrapment when it comes to our smartphones. While there may exist books and the outdoors, somehow we will always find ourselves metaphorically (or literally, as in the case of the protagonist) chained to our phones. The screenplay further attempts a contrast between light and darkness to convey its idea of what falls where. What, in the end, would be the fate of the modern day Sisyphus?

Sisyphus | Short Film Nominee

The film maps the developments over a period of one week and takes us into a unique relationship - unique for it only shows one partner throughout its duration. The romance is a budding one, and is marked by all the troughs and crests of such a relationship. From sudden expressions of love, to coolness that leads to conflict - it is complete with it all. As the story progresses, this conflict begins to make its presence felt more and more until it takes the form of indifference. The film is interesting in the revelation it eventually makes at the climax, after having been characterized by the ubiquitous presence of smartphones and technology to the extent of them being an obsession and addiction so far. It is also equipped with notable camerawork and elegant angles that exhibit skill and an ease with technique. As for the fate of the lovers that these visuals capture, which unexpected turn would their story take next?

Misfit | Short Film Nominee

The narrative maps the trajectory of an addict and their relationship with substance abuse. Divided into several chapters, it covers the entire spectrum that includes routine, dependence, use, abuse of the substance and so on. The natural progression of this eventually leads to the realisation of the emptiness of life at the other end of the spectrum. The story further adopts the template of a documentary, bringing in experiences of different characters as well as their account of their interactions with drugs and intoxicants. This is weaved together with the story of the protagonist and his struggles with substance abuse. All of it is tied together in a fictional manner and aims to blur the lines between fiction and non-fiction. The performance shows potential which can be explored further in future projects. Additionally, the film wants to serve as a reminder of what addiction can truly do to a person's life, and leaves the viewer with a fair warning of the extent of damage it is capable of causing.

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