Malota is unique and refreshing in the manner in which it tells its story. While the adults struggle with practical concerns of sustenance and survival, the world of children has very different issues to deal with. When the birth of puppies throws young Gulaab's plans to finish his homework, the fear of a ruthless teacher's thrashing leads him to bunk school. What he learns outside the institutionalised centre of learning is perhaps more likely to stay with him than the table of 12.75. The film pays close attention to detail and is endearing and profound in equal measure.

Malota | Short Film of the Day

Directed by Vasu Dixit, the music video raises concerns about a very important issue - depression among school students. What begins as an innocent instruction, many of us would associate with our childhood, "Beta, sweater peheno", soon takes the form of a didactic, suffocating diktat. The claustrophobic tone of the video is further enhanced by the visuals of the five band members against the backdrop of an empty school. The overwhelming emptiness of the minimalist frames invokes the idea of school students drowning in expectations and the pressure to perform. Beta Sweater Peheno makes a relevant comment about the conversation around mental health and leaves you feeling overwhelmed, and perhaps that is the point of the music video.

Beta Sweater Pehno | Short Film of the Day

This short film by Pia Shah is the most endearing take on a child's fear of water. Backed by a notable background score, Waterbaby takes the viewer into the life of young Melvin with his pregnant mother and neglectful father. While navigating the metaphorical waters of peer pressure and familial conflict, he finds himself smitten with a new classmate one day. She invites him for a pool party on her birthday and all Melvin can resort to are the lessons he's learnt from Boy Aqua, an animated show he watches regularly. As he stands before a swimming pool in front of school bullies, all his friends and the object of his affection, will Melvin take the plunge?

Waterbaby | Short Film of the Day

The film’s story is a heartfelt engagement with dreams, and what they mean for its different characters. Located amidst the very real struggles of survival and somehow making ends meet is our little protagonist. Pintu dreams of a world where he does not have to go to school to an indifferent, lazy, and cruel teacher. He also dreams of fancy sneakers and a future away from the brick kiln where his father works. His aspirations are not simply confined to that but further include the desire for a life like Muniya’s, a peer who does not go to school and instead helps her mother with domestic chores. Muniya, on the other hand, covets a world where children like her go to school. 
Pintu’s parents try to hold on to their jobs or seek out new ones, in the hope of securing some kind of stability in their lives. The film further interweaves frustration and hope, two sides of the same coin, with all of it, alongside the constant effort that is required to keep life afloat. It presents a glimpse into a harsh, exploitative unfair world where a little boy still dreams of seemingly petty things like branded shoes, and a space away from his callous school. 
There is a slight loosening of control when it comes to visual consistency as the film reaches its conclusion, but one which is easy to overlook in the face of all the other strengths it presents. From a screenplay marked by long, fixed frames, to performances, notable and endearing in equal measure, to its world-building, authentic and meticulous throughout, 'Pintu' incorporates them all, and remains steadfast in the exploration of its thematic concerns explored from the eyes of children and adults alike.

Pintu  | Short Film of the Month

Based on a true story of a farmer's suicide in Maharashtra, the short film reminds the viewer that the simplest of stories can be the most hard-hitting. Art indeed is an imitation of reality which is often what makes it disconcerting. The narrative is linear, straight and simple, yet weaved in a manner that will make the film stay with the audience for a very long time. Giving us a glimpse into the plight of an onion farmer, the short film delineates a trip he makes to a local mandi to sell his harvest. The exploitation at the hands of the buyers is brazen enough to be even dismissed by his young son as being ridiculous. On the other hand, the farmer, bound by need and poverty, has no alternative, but to accept it. The whole act is vehemently rejected by the child, who violently protests against it. His father, however, can do little beyond weeping at a fate out of which only death seems to be a certain escape.

Mandi | Short Film of the Day

Imagine you are sitting in a classroom, writing an exam, but you don't know any of the answers? Bringing a nightmare for many to life is Little Hands, an endearing short film by Rohan Raveendran Nair. The intelligent camerawork of the film is undoubtedly its biggest strength. Without showing any faces, Little Hands, moves from one pair of hands to another to share a story of intimidating questions, the struggle to find their answers, the risks taken to achieve them and finally the sacrifice to help someone in need. The short film is skilful and innocent in equal measures and leaves the viewer with definite answers about friendship and kindness.

Little Hands | Short Film of the Day

A wonderful short film by Girliyapa, Kanika is a poignant take on a type of crime most prevalent in India. The narrative builds up gradually, taking its time, yet keeping the viewer glued all along. As it progresses, you realise that, in the most disturbing manner, it's far from what you expected. What starts off as a romantic story of two seemingly star-crossed lovers soon takes a disconcertingly dark turn at the climax. The film's production quality and the mature handling of a very intense subject deserve a special mention. Also backed by skilled cinematography and a strong voiceover, Kanika will definitely stay with you long after you've watched it.

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