The short film is beautifully inspired by Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis in which the protagonist wakes up to find himself transformed into a cockroach. Borrowing the same metaphor, it attempts to show how humans are no less than insects in an arbitrary, murky world of poverty, chronic diseases and the constant struggle to survive. The colour palette of the visuals is of dirty greens, browns and greys, to further invoke a sense of filthiness associated with insects, or humans who are not rendered any more valuable than them in a society where a father and his son fight with the latter's oral cancer. Amidst these hues of dirt and filth, the red scarf of the boy stands out. It perhaps serves to draw the viewer's attention to how he comes to be the only voice of hope in the narrative. However, this voice is soon snuffed out since a bright crimson has no place amidst illness and pain, a folly that will be realised immediately, but not soon enough.

Metamorphosis  | Short Film of the Day

A girl is dealing with a prolonged terminal illness of a family member. He is a cancer patient who has
been affected by the disease due to his tobacco consumption. Due to this history of illness in the
family, she has developed an aversion to all edible products even with a hint of tobacco in them.
It is interesting to note how it would come to influence the other decisions and aspects of her life. 
Kark is a well-crafted short story. The film captures the protagonist's labour: both domestic and industrial, and her
consequent exhaustion. With an almost excruciating attention to detail, the film also paints a picture of
a working-class life. Even the spot that the lovers pick to meet subtly points to a class-based navigation of
the urban space. The actor playing the lead does an excellent job!

Kark | Short Film of the Day

Arjun and Aakruthi want to get married, but a major conflict in their horoscopes holds them back. It is predicted that whoever Arjun marries will die an early and untimely death. 
Arjun who wakes up every morning to pray for a luxurious life is associated with an organization that works with cancer patients, alongside another organization that is associated with marriages. Aakruthi, on the other hand, is an oncologist. All of these threads converge within the narrative when, in order to make their marriage possible, they hatch the plan to get Arjun married to a terminally ill cancer patient of Aakruthi’s, Kavya. 

In the process, a story comes into existence that takes us deeper into the lives of Arjun and Kavya. Additionally, Kavya’s character is notably performed with sincerity. Arjun had lost his father to cancer which eventually led him to the work he now does. However, despite the selflessness that defined his father’s life, a life of privileges and wealth is what is truly important for him. All of these components find their respective places within the plot. 
The question that remains inherent throughout is what would be the fate of this love triangle, specifically Kavya’s who battles for her life. The answer lies at the conclusion as the several parts are beaded together and presented to the viewer.

Ethayum Maatrum Kaadhaley | Short Film Nominee

The primary concerns of the film include loyalty, envy and how the two combine to eventually lead to revenge. The story opens with the myth of a magical statue that could cure all illnesses. We are soon taken into the lives of two men where one battles an illness and the other provides him with an antidote. Things continue to unfold in a fast-paced manner, hinting at far more disconcerting things than the viewer would have expected at the first glance. The plot employs a varied background score, heightened emotions and an element of fantasy to construct and weave its narrative. The audience is kept guessing till the end, as it further utilises a real life example of the most dangerous creature in the world, justifying its title as well in the process.

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