‘Ayak’’s world is constructed with a controlled, and steady hand, taking the viewer into the story gradually, but irrevocably. The sustained pace ensures that even though the dialogue in the film is frugal, you are deeply invested in the fate of the protagonist. Manu has arrived at the Forest of Chithari to perform an age-old ritual that takes place every twenty years. 

The forest is not only the abode of innumerable secrets and unsaid things, but also of forces far beyond Manu’s comprehension. The story that began in ancient Egypt, is about to come to fruition with his arrival for the ritual. Ayak, or the potion that unites one with the gods, is soon presented to him in the most unlikely circumstances. 

As the events unfold, the film puts forth a narrative that is quiet, but stern. It employs no sudden thrills or jump scares to unsettle the viewer, and still ensures that it remains disconcerting throughout. The visuals of the vast expanses enhance it manifold, as do the smooth edit and the screenplay. The seamless weaving of all of these elements allows 'Ayak' to become a beautiful final result that is not simply defined by mystery or thrill, but also by an element of fantasy and something terrible awaiting right around the corner.

Ayak | Short Film of the Year

The simplest, most average-looking households can have the darkest secrets. This specific thought remains intrinsic to the narrative. At the same time, it makes it impossible to talk about it without giving away spoilers - consider yourself warned. Tying humour, drama and suspense together is the story of Aryan End Mei Nahi Bachega, triggering a sense of foreboding in the very title itself. 

 As you begin to take off the layers of the film, ominous hints are found to be strewn throughout. Be it in the form of bandaged wrists of a young girl or in the frenzied voice of our protagonist's peer who desperately warns him to leave his house. And yet, the viewer is inclined to brush it all aside as they are made to participate in the same calm which Aryan exudes, ensuring you that indeed there isn't anything wrong around him. In the process, the film becomes a portrayal of the adult world and its many complexities from the point of view of a child. Yet to be inducted into it, his shock, horror and utter confusion at what lays ahead of him are the only companions he is left with when confronted with the truth. 
 

Without explicitly spelling out anything, the film also makes a pertinent comment about discrimination to the extent of it turning into violent, cruel acts of murder, especially against a particular community. It is also the narrative's endeavor to assert its message powerfully and reveal all of these extremely jarring activities by way of characters with the most sombre, calm appearance. The film exhibits vision, the tonality and approach required to execute it, deep potential and a strong story. However, the seamlessness that could have tied all of these elements together seems to be missing in some parts, making it lose crucial points. The biggest takeaway, still, remains the story which becomes bigger than any character or weakness in the narrative, ensuring that you sit tight till the very end to eventually be able to get to the heart of the matter.

Aryan End Main Nahi Bachega | Short Film Nominee

The title of the film is deliberately deceptive of what is to unfold before you. The narrative opens on a sweet note as two characters, Joshua and Indu, get to know each other over a dating app, followed by an eventual date at a cafe. 
However, soon disconcerting details about clandestine prayer meetings and cults enter the plot. Amidst it all is a third character whose fate will somehow be entangled with that of the couple's, but the viewer is kept guessing until the final revelation as to the hows and whys of it. 

The plot opens on a promising note, and despite technical rough edges and narratorial laxity that afflicts it in the second half, the endeavor remains sincere and dedicated. There is one final attempt to subvert your expectations right ahead of the conclusion. The various developments remain supported by a complementary background score that deserves a mention.

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