Set in the near future, a dystopia where complete totalitarianism and misogyny rule over the state, the short film revolves around the courage and strength of one woman. The protagonist is an acclaimed Bharatnatyam dancer who is forcibly removed from her family. Her memories are erased and she is thrown in a hellish jail, the Cell. For her, like many other inhabitants of the Cell, the crime was being more independent and successful than her male counterpart. 
Soon, the protagonist starts to remember glimpses of her past - a disapproving husband, arguments with her daughter, but more importantly her art, her dance. The narrative does a notable job of communicating all of these emotions, and tying them with the most effortless and skilled dance sequence. The intense performance, with graceful yet hard-hitting movements, thus becomes an expression of revolt against oppression and patriarchy. As the protagonist conjures a fluidity and litheness of the body on screen, the message is allowed a fitting portrayal for the viewer to engage with.

Colors: Saffron | Short Film of the Day

The film is complete with music, dance, action, a sprinkle of fantasy, and philosophical rumination that arises from the presence of divinity among humans. Needless to say, Savitha Sashtri brings to life powerful performances in this dance film. The story is about rebirth or a second life which has led a being to step away from the nirvana she had already attained, and help a cursed village. The plot maps her eventual downfall at the hands of distrusting villagers. Though the film stands to gain from a tighter narrative, it remains a labor of love and passion, along with dedication. There is also something to be said about the thought it explores and discusses, lucidly presenting its ideas to the viewer in the process.

Dvija | Short Film Nominee

The story is of a dancer whose fame and glory is now a matter of yesteryears. As she attempts to come to terms with the success of her successor, she struggles to reconcile her present with her past. The protagonist uses Bharatnatyam to convey her angst, anger, sadness and pain to the viewer and provides a moving performance in the wilderness of a forest. The visuals are marked by aerial shots and smooth transitions in tune with the tune of the performance. The film also attempts a comment on the state of mental health in India.

The Descent | Short Film Nominee

'Beyond the Rains' is a film with dance at its heart, and unrequited love as the thread that weaves its several components together. A young journalist arrives at the doorstep of a former Bharatnatyam dancer for an interview. 

Confined to a wheelchair now, Nitya has a distant look in her eyes, coupled with a laconic demeanour. As the conversation develops, we find ourselves making our way into a story of romance, love, loss and heartbreak. In the process, the narrative also attempts to converse with the many complications of love and what it means to wait or suffer when the love is left unfulfilled. 

The dance sequences remain the most notable aspect of the film. Despite a few rough edges in the handling of its sound, the film exists as a sincere and passionate endeavor in sharing its story.

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