The film does a seamless job of roping in an entire spectrum of emotions to share its story. From drama to action and thrill, from despair and hopelessness to a sense of uplifting warmth, hope and friendship, the endeavor is to paint all of these together. 

When the film opens, two men, Sachi and Abhi, are on their way to an important place or appointment. Before their destination is revealed, a call is made to a third character, and the narrative swiftly flashes back to a time when both of them were barely making ends meet. 

 In a moment of crisis, that also forms the predominant body of the plot, Sachi and Abhi almost left behind their lives in Bangalore for good, and went back to their village. While portraying all of this for the viewer, there is also the attempt to experiment with music and stylistic choices. The end result, though not without a few errant shots and the need for a little more tautness in the narrative, remains entertaining and involving all along.

Streets of Bengaluru | Short Film Nominee

‘Happy Birthday’ has something very crucial to say. However, it opens with a tonality that is deliberately kept far from that. It is the eve of Anjali’s birthday when the film begins, and she plans a night of fun and enjoyment with her partner, as well as her friends. However, the plan soon seems to be devolving into chaos as one canceled step is followed by another. 

At the same time, the narrative has quietly started suggesting that something darker might be lurking right below the obvious, something that would truly be realized at the film’s conclusion. While the night continues to develop, we are taken deeper into the endearing relationship of the two characters. They discuss their equation with the city, Bengaluru, their affection for it, or even the lack of it, laughing about the devotional songs of their ringtones, among other things, all along presenting to us the many innocent and sincere details of their romance. 

 The exchange helps to serve as an impactful contrast with what eventually follows at the film's disconcerting climax and conclusion. Though requiring a little more finetuning in the department of sound, the film presents an important story. Once the rough edges are ironed out, more such creative endeavors should definitely be interacted with in the future.

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