There is a reason Netflix has become one of the most prominent and accomplished content creators in India. After making a deep mark for itself in the global visual space, it's pretty much on its way to achieve the same in the country. Don't believe us? Here's evidence in the form of this ad film starring Vijay Varma playing a pickpocket in the most convincing manner. The YouTube title of the video suggests that it's going to be about the product Netflix has to offer, a cheap subscription, yet, the viewer is left guessing throughout as to how this marketing goal will be achieved. It's a single-character narrative with beautifully shot visuals and an equally strong voiceover by Varma. The sophisticated cinematography, the powerful performance and the wonderful writing of the film are all tied together most seamlessly with visual tools referencing to Netflix's most popular shows, both in India and internationally. This ad film, thus, more than simply being a commercial selling a product, is also a visual treat for fans of not just the content it refers to, but also of storytelling and visual arts in general.

Pappu Pakitmaar | Short Film of the Day

A viewer should go to Gadhedo unprepared and unsuspecting and allow themselves to be impressed and entertained by a wonderful short film. The story is of a small village where the local teacher lounges and relaxes at the cost of his pupils' education. As Monday becomes 'Monde' and week becomes 'weak', it is not hard to determine the direction his students are headed in. Add to all this his eccentric, witless landlord, and the drama of the film unfolds in the most unpredictable and engaging manner. The film is unique and refreshing in the style it adopts to tell its story, a folk tale, as it states at the start. It has several moments of brilliance as the viewer tries to pin it down to a genre - comedy, drama, thriller? What happens when a simpleton decides to pay a huge sum to his devious tenant to turn his donkey into a human? The consequences are hilarious, surprising and saddening - all at the same time, allowing Gadhedo to be a skilled and sophisticated piece of art.

Gadhedo | Vikrant Massey | Short Film of the Day

The film is an unexpected, enjoyable and interesting union of lightheartedness, chirpiness, and something potentially disconcerting. Our first glimpse into its world is by way of a taxi ride that a man is part of. Even though we don't see a female presence next to him, we are soon told that a woman’s voice never leaves him alone. 

Instructing him with bizarre ideas, resulting in even more absurd situations, sometimes at his own expense, and sometimes at the expense of those around him, she is Rudy's constant companion. Her voice soon becomes a lovely metaphor for perhaps any inhibitions or limitations that might exist in the viewer’s mind as well, keeping them from being all that they can be, or doing all that they want to, be it socializing or feeling comfortable in their own skin and bodies. 

The film does a notable job of presenting all of these ideas to you without making itself overbearing or overwhelming. Its colors remain deliberately effervescent and fun, with the tone and approach matching the overall final result.

Thank You for Sharing | Short Film of the Day

Wearing a tie that tips the hat to some iconic cartoon characters, which also serve as the film's namesake, a man has arrived for what is potentially the most important interview of his life. Under the garb of giving an interview for a job, he plans to pitch his tech start-up to a possible investor. It is precisely this moment which offers the crux of the narrative, and its journey till here is indeed a beautifully involving and engaging one. 

Rajeev, a man of passion and eccentricites, is struggling to get his start-up running on its feet. Despite the financial troubles that engulf his family of a loving, supportive, but worried wife, Keerti, and daughter, Arushi, he is unable to give up hope just yet on his dream project. 

The film brings this reality to life in a deeply sincere manner. The end result is marked by seamless writing and equally crucial and smooth performances that ensure you remain invested in the fate of the protagonist, as well as the narratorial progression, all along.

Looney | Short Film of the Month

Two strangers strike an unlikely bond when they are pushed together into a circumstance in an even more unlikely manner. A pickpocket is entrapped by a young woman, also his greatest admirer, into teaching her what she views as his art and skill. 
Through the misadventures of the two, confined to a single night, the film presents a story that is marked by the devotion of its cast, a notable visual approach, and editing choices, alongside an equally complementary background score. The film remains true to its stylistic choices throughout, and though not entirely devoid of a few rough edges, the voice and storytelling exhibit not only deep potential but also freshness. 

While a pursuit that is as isolating as pickpocketing and theft is viewed as art by one, it simply remains an act of survival for the other. However, an unexpected moment of companionship is nestled within the many layers of the heist and the action that unfold before the viewer. The narrative does a sincere, meticulous job of achieving and portraying this moment.

The First Time They Spoke | Short Film Nominee

Jhinge and Bowal are out on a mission - to move up in their life of petty crime and transition into something more meaty...perhaps a murder. As life would have it, they are soon presented with the perfect opportunity - the killing of a lawyer. After spending a few days observing him from afar, the two men get to work (to their best capacity). 

The film engages with all of this, roping in elements of an entertaining buddy film, as well as those of crime, humor, and drama. The chemistry between its characters is effortless, thereby enhancing the final result. The punches, sometimes frivolous and flippant, other times more sustained and deliberate, all land, allowing it to further succeed in sharing its story. 

The storytelling is marked by a comprehensive beginning, middle and end. The shadowy, dim-lit visuals further conjure an adequate image of the world for you. The film loses some points in the department of sound, but this is easy to overlook in the face of the end product, and everything that it eventually offers.

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