Stories of perseverance inevitably become one of the most poignant stories ever told. This ad film directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and narrated by Gulzar is a collection of four such stories. The film's visuals mostly refer to outdoor spaces whose beginnings and ends are undefined, perhaps suggesting the greatness of the subjects it portrays. Simply the stories by themselves were sufficient to make this film work. However, throw in powerful and impeccable narration, writing and direction, and the film truly becomes a magically moving product which touches the viewer deeply without being even remotely sentimental.

Celebrating India's Biggest Payments | Short Film of the Day

In a country that's premised on secularism, can people's identity be chalked down to a single religion? The short film seems to suggest it can be indeed, but in quite an unpredictable manner. The strengths of One Faith are several - from elegant visuals to smooth transitions, from adept writing to its inability to hold the viewer's attention. The narrative also earns full points for having an endearing twist at the end. The short film thus becomes a wholesome product to be consumed on a gloomy day to rekindle your faith in mankind's ability to be kind, make friends, and above all, not take things too seriously.

One Faith | Short Film of the Day

Ahead of Father’s Day, Blush’ latest offering is about a nervous, newly married’s woman’s relationship with her father-in-law. The narrative is plotted against the background of an India-Pakistan cricket match. As they watch the match together, the memory of the 1996 World Cup, where India and Pakistan played in the same team against Sri Lanka, is invoked. While reminding the viewer of a heartwarming memory in the history of the World Cup, the young woman finds a similar emotional space with her father-in-law that she had once found wit her own father. Released amidst the World Cup hysteria that has gripped the nation, the short film is simple, endearing and makes for a wholesome watch.

Unexpected Partnership | Short Film of the Day

Very few films get the tone and mood right from the word go and Maidaan happens to fall in that sparsely populated category. As an open playground is taken over by the government to build a temple, the narrative traverses the struggle of a young cricket coach to fight against the decision. The film works on multiple levels and turns out to be a wholesome experience for the viewer. Be it a commentary on religion, the dedication to faith (in a god or in a sport), the refreshing portrayal of women talking about cricket, the protagonist's reading list which includes the famed Richard Dawkins and the acceptance that sometimes there is no right or wrong, simply a difference of belief systems, the film touches upon several aspects, yet does not try to be anything it's not. While this may be a mistake several artists fall prey too, Maidaan sails clear of it and leaves the viewer with a satisfying short film.

Maidaan | Short Film of the Day

The short film packs an endearing, wholesome story of hope and what it truly means to seek something throughout the entirety of your life. Wicket is further notable in the manner in which it employs family members as characters to mark the passage of time for the viewer and delineate a wonderful conversation about straddling dreams and practicalities of life. The protagonist of the film is an ardent admirer of cricket, and dreams of becoming a cricketer himself one day. However, growing up watching the successes of the legends in the field, will he find himself walking a path similar to their's or will he choose one which takes him in a completely different direction? The plot of the film is a sincere attempt to invoke a reality where the two might one day collide.

Wicket | Short Film of the Day

What the film succeeds at is weaving an endearing story about a child making his way in the adult world. The primary tool for achieving this is the strategic and smooth camerawork the narrative employs to juxtapose a diminutive presence against an overwhelming skyscraper right in its opening shot. As a little boy wades his way in a multi-storeyed building, allowing his little bag of trinkets and toys undergo security checks, the viewer is hooked to find out the purpose of this visit. Of course the security and professionals in the work space are minor obstacles to be overcome by him in his determined path to achieve his goal. He barges into a room full of powerful adults, beings alien to his world of innocence and single-minded desires, yet our little protagonist is undaunted. However, now that he has arrived at his destination, what would be the final battle, and more importantly, would it be a victorious one?

My Debut Match | Short Film of the Day

The ad film will ring loud and true for many Indian viewers who follow cricket arduously, as is the predominant practice in the country. It is direct and straightforward in its message as it shows the same character in different situations with only one concern on his mind - an upcoming cricket tournament. The narrative is essentially a stitching together of short sketches. It succeeds in putting forth its message and manages to convey it all with a conciseness not all ad films can boast of. Further, it ties it all with comedic timing even the most untrained eye can appreciate.

Battle Of Sixes | Short Film Nominee

A conflict is brewing between Mantri and Athanni, the protagonist and antagonist of this slapstick comedy, respectively. Mantri has lost his red underwear, while Athanni has suspiciously been found in possession of one. 
As the squabble over the ownership of the undergarment begins, it leads to a cricket challenge between the two. What follows next is a hilarious, amusing ride marked by not only the antics of the many characters but also of the words and metaphors that constitute the narrative. 

The writing and the voiceover of the same become the most notable aspects of the film, and it is here that its true triumph, as well as the entertainment quotient, lies, almost making one overlook the raw edges of production, primarily pertaining to dialogue dubbing. The cricket pitch turns into a battlefield, pronouncing the title of the film. Though it is the second part of a longer story, the current part works as a hilarious standalone piece and can be consumed thus.

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