The film locates itself in a pandemic-stricken world where a woman struggles to ensure her daughter does not miss her online classes. A smartphone is absolutely imperative for these classes, but Shalini’s young daughter, Aami accidentally broke theirs. 

Now Shalini struggles between jobs, even at the cost of her own well-being, to ensure that she somehow puts enough money together for a new phone. In the process, not only does the narrative draw a very clear boundary between the haves and the have-nots, but it does so without letting itself get consumed by sentimentalism. Inherent to the narrative is also the idea of the many sadnesses that many of us carry within. 

If for someone it is the struggle to make ends meet, for another it is being stuck in an oppressive job where you can only nod and suffer in silence at the hands of a cruel boss, and for yet another, it is the longing and memory of a lost loved one. Aami, the little daughter, too notices the sacrifices her mother makes while putting on a brave face all along, and it is primarily this courage and perseverance of character that the film preoccupies itself with, in a sincere, devoted manner.

Shalini | Short Film Nominee

The poetic narrative of the film presents to the viewer an endearing and heartwarming portrayal of a family during the national lockdown in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. While it is a fairly unprecedented time in recent history, Punarnav attempts to draw attention to the silver lining of this dark, dark cloud that has set itself upon us like a shroud. From family members suddenly turning into art connoisseurs to their dedication to Yoga and meditation, the film exhibits it all. The visuals, intelligently angled, are further supplemented by a competent voiceover. All in all, the end product becomes the glimmer of positivity we would all gain from in contemporary times.

Punarnav | Short Film of the Day

The film employs skilful shots and supplements them with a poetic narration which becomes its most notable strength. The poetry is concise and powerful and speaks on the behalf of the less fortunate. In the times of the coronavirus pandemic, as everyone gets confined indoors, the narrative draws attention to the plight of those who have been hit financially by the health crisis. There is further a sense of uncertainty the narrative attempts to draw the viewer's attention to. Covid-19 took the world by complete surprise, leaving them most unprepared to deal with everything that followed in its wake. The film wants to remind the privileged and the protected that they might be headed towards a similar fate in the future while not having the remotest idea of it in the present, thereby also becoming a plea to nurture empathy as well as kindness.

Pata Bhi Nahi Chalega | Short Film of the Day

In the most unlikely turn of events, two women from two opposing ends of life end up together. A young media professional and the wife of an autorickshaw driver form a humble party that is on a rescue mission in a pandemic-ridden, locked-down world. 

As the two embark on this journey to save the former’s boyfriend, Vilohit, by employing the aid of an auto stolen from the latter’s husband, the young women discover new things about themselves, the world, and most unexpectedly, the bond that develops between them. 

The remarkable visual grammar of the film, a union of competent editing and seamless camerawork, becomes its strongest aspect. Though some raw edges remain within the narratorial progression of events which keeps the writing from soaring as high as the potential it possesses, the film is a very promising product that should serve as the first step of hopefully many more to come.

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