The short film is a lovely, quiet delineation of the struggle of two men in Mumbai. It draws a wonderful and intelligent parallel between the stories of Rahi and Gurpreet who both moved to the city of dreams in pursuit of success in their respective careers. The intelligence of the narrative becomes most pronounced when it addresses the notions and deeply-set structures of class in the Indian society while talking about these characters. Despite the difference in their societal location, both Rahi and Gurpreet have similar battles to fight and demons to overcome that threaten to devour their hopes and aspirations. The film is a well-rounded product with elegant camerawork, strong performances and effortlessly smooth story-telling. If all of this wasn't sufficient to make it succeed, it further manages to make a deeply moving point about professional obstacles, class divisions and chasing your dreams, without making its propositions preachy, didactic or blatant.

Gunta  | Short Film of the Month

Agastaya is a teenaged boy who now finds himself located at a dizzying crossroad. While on the one hand he had always dreamt of expanding his father's small shop that sells samosas and is known far and wide for the same, on the other, he wishes to pursue a life that is nowhere in close proximity of this dream. Consequently, he is being pulled into the eddies of peer pressure, young romance and a desire to finally break the truth to his father. However, once the conversation is done between the two, a new realization and truth awaits Agastaya. In the process, the film becomes a sincere exploration of a father-son relationship, and the manner in which a young boy's desire to feel one with his peers threatens to influence it. All of the drama unfolds around the samosa shop, further allowing it to be a primary character in the film. The final product proves to be an endeavor of sincerity, allowing the many dynamics of familial relationships a lucid portrayal for the viewer to engage with.

Manohar Samosewala - Ranchi Ka Mashoor | Short Film Nominee

The film shares a pertinent comment about class and the many ways class-based exploitation disenfranchises people of the most basic rights. When two cops find a man passed out at a construction site, they immediately nab him under suspicion of theft. Despite all his pleas and attempts to provide a clean track record, no one offers him any respite or benefit of the doubt. 

His employers, corrupt builders themselves who flout laws, or are simply unwilling to engage with the cops, wash their hands off him, leaving the unfortunate man at the mercy of the officers. When they refuse to believe in his innocence, despite all his pleading, there is only one way left for him to turn. By presenting the desperate protagonist and all his futile attempts, thus, along with notable performances, the narrative offers insight into society's power structures and corruption.

Lost in Labour | Short Film Nominee

At the heart of the narrative lies an important message about class-based privilege and how it often blinds people to others' misery. A man wakes up and calls out for his domestic help, revealing his dependency on the latter. When the help steps out for an hour, but does not come back for the better part of the day, his master is left fuming in rage. The temper finds an outlet immediately after the help returns. However, what awaits both the protagonist and the viewer, is a tragic turn of events that would further serve to emphasize the message of the film for you.

Hastily Judged | Lockdown Film Challenge

The entire narrative is marked a cohesive story that consists of a beginning, middle and end, allowing it to come together as a whole. Savita, a domestic help, dearly loves the daughter of the household she works for. From taking care of Piya's daily routine to hearing her playful chatter every day, Savita does it all with patience and affection, further portraying the intimacy of their bond. Consequently, for Piya's birthday, Savita wants to get her own little present. The obstacles in her path are several, sometimes even as extreme as domestic abuse, but she is undaunted. In the process, the narrative raises several points about class divide, the unquestioned acceptance of people about their location in society, even if it means making peace with an inferior status, and the location of women amidst it all where they are deprived of their due further, rendering them even more powerless.

Chudiyan | Short Film Nominee

The film is an adaptation of a short story by Premchand titled Thakur ka Kua. The narrative attempts to draw attention to the deeply entrenched roots of caste system and all the hardships it entails for the oppressed. What happens when the upper caste and upper class Thakur decides to restrict the villagers' access to his water well? The scarcity is in direct contrast with the wastage of water in acts like washing feet at the Thakur's house. Amidst all of this is an ill villager who is languishing due to thirst, among other bodily discomfort. As his young daughter attempts to secure him water, what will be their fate?

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