The manner in which conflict comes to influence and mould human experience is unmistakable, and perhaps even grand in its grotesqueness. Another aspect that matches the scale of this control and power is art - perhaps the Yin to this Yang. Art in conflict-ridden areas comes to constitute the other inescapable and undeniable part of reality. The short film is an exploration and portrayal of this proposition. The documentary locates itself in Kashmir, a geographical space that has been ravaged by militancy, consequent violence and political tussles for over three decades now. The voices it brings within its fold to amplify its message are loud and clear, unequivocal and strong in the comments they want to make. This, in turn, allows the narrative not only a lucidity of thought, a clarity of communication, but also a poignancy that touches the very core of the viewer, irrespective of the side of the conflict they locate themselves on. Inherent to the film is another message for the optimistic viewer, one about the undeniable nature of art and the many ways in which it brings solace and comfort to many- be it in the form of a much-needed expression of grief, or a messenger for the views they want to share with society, in the form of hope that warms them amidst the stony coldness of a disturbing reality or in the clarion call it can potentially become for a revolution. Lastly, Raqs-e-Inquilab, or Dance of Revolution, achieves its final triumph in the very specific manner and tonality it adopts to tie art and conflict together, an endeavour that has been attempted previously as well by several storytellers, filmmakers and artists, but with few results as notable as this documentary film.

Raqs-e-Inquilab | Short Film of the Month

The film opens with a moment of intimacy and affection, immediately starting a narratorial movement that will come full circle at the conclusion. The distance covered in between, however, paints an entire spectrum of stressors of urban lifestyles in big cities, especially if it involves a move from a smaller one. 


The narrative further ropes in conflict but also the soft and inevitable intimacy that is capable of overcoming it all, no matter how big the obstacle. Rohit and Shruti might not see eye to eye on several things, sometimes even on very core, relationship-defining issues, but their shared love remains an indomitable force. The film also invokes performances and a shared chemistry that is easy and fully supportive of the swiftly developing screenplay and storyline. 'Pillow Talk' efficiently establishes the premise for more such projects, perhaps even longer ones, that should definitely be explored in the future.

Pillow Talk | Short Film of the Month

A short film, more often than nought, is a moment frozen in time. Bebasee reaffirms this premise by simply introducing the viewer to the helplessness of a woman, as the title suggests, without weighing itself down with the whys and hows of it. An exploration of the familial space and the domestic conflict that resides within it, the film begins and ends in medias res, but still manages to offer a complete narrative, irrespective of the stage the story is located at. It opens on a note marked by high tension, one which is fraught with conflict and anxiety, gradually simmering down, allowing the plot an organic movement. In its short duration, the film packs a powerhouse of a story. Marked by its crispness, and without wasting a single moment, the story is shared with the viewer in an impactful manner. The frames and camera angles exhibit intelligence and thought, allowing the film to succeed not only at the level of story and creativity, but also technique and skill. Further enhanced by a seamlessness that is a reflection of the director's maturity at handling the subject, and notable chemistry of its young cast, the film becomes a well-rounded, balanced product.

Bebasee | Short Film of the Day

‘Shrey’ takes the viewer into a tense moment right after the story opens. Even before any action unfolds, the background score ensures that the viewer is never at ease, making it one of the most notable aspects of the film. 

The film progresses to introduce us to Tamas and Prabhas. While both consider themselves aspiring authors, there is a clear power dynamic that exists between the two, irrespective of the many shared cups of tea and cigarettes. The younger Tamas presents a protege/assistant relationship with the older, more experienced Prabhas, a relationship that has been in existence for the last two years. Surrounding this are a myriad more elements all fraught with different kinds of anxieties - a failed marriage, a father’s passing, familial conflict, a mountain of lies, and most importantly, the desperation and unwavering dream to become a published writer. 

The narrative does a skilled job of exploring all of this, and some more. The performances and the shared chemistry between the two actors ensure that the numerous complexities are allowed a fitting portrayal. Though a few limitations of resources appear in terms of the visuals, the storytelling triumphs over them.

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