A broker in Delhi is not the first character to come to mind while thinking of a film protagonist, won't you agree? This is one of the many points of uniqueness of Kartaa. It takes the viewer into the struggles and obstacles of a broker as he tries to keep his family afloat. The short film delves into the murky, seedy aspects of society in the most poignant manner. While revealing the extent of its ruthlessness, it further affirms that sometimes there indeed is no ray of light at the end of the tunnel.

Kartaa | Short Film of the Day

‘Reflection of Waves’ has a significant theatrical quality to it, but one which aids the narrative more than hindering it. The storytelling, in the process, becomes the most remarkable aspect of the film, along with a strong performance of the protagonist. 

The story is fairly straightforward - it is about the deep despair of a man, Alan, and how it has plagued his life for the entire sixty years of his existence. It has isolated him, made him the subject of mockery, ridicule, pity, has adversely affected his relationships, and yet, there seems to be no escape from it even after all these years and bitter experiences. The manner of portraying this is far from simple, and notably so. By using the same physical space of a house, we are introduced to Alan's past as well as the present. 

Even though it would be interesting to see a future project with tighter control on visuals, within the narrative rests an unmissable comment about mental health (perhaps depression, even though it is never explicitly stated) which is communicated through the internal turmoil of the protagonist. At the end of it all, however, would it be a sense of hope and companionship at last that would welcome Alan with open arms or would it be a brutal, gory end to his life?

Reflection of Waves | Short Film of the Day

The narrative opens on a good day for the protagonist, Advik. His professional life is going well, he has a loving partner, Mona. Amidst it all, he also manages to take care of his family. However, this reality soon takes a turn for the worse starting with him losing his job. This is followed not only by financial trouble, but also emotional stressors in the form of a breakup with Mona. As Advik continues to spiral, the film presents its well-meaning message about finding hope in the darkest of hours. It also shares a reminder about not giving up courage, and to strive to remember that every seemingly endless night is followed by dawn.

Sochna Zaruri Hai | Short Film Nominee

This solo project exhibits efficient use of skills and resources to bring to life a story that is colored with humor, drama, and tension and its eventual release. It is constituted simply by a conversation between rejected pieces of paper who speculate and try to ascertain what the only human present in the room is upto. From conjectures about his relationships to professional life to financial standing, everything is touched upon employing the tools of irony, along with a commentary on the contemporary times of unnecessarily aggressive news anchors, as well as mass lay-offs in big corporations. Overall, the final product is entertaining and amusing, and leaves the viewer with the positive message of hope.

Crumpled | Lockdown Film Challenge

Invoking Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis, the story aims to bring to life a sense of pointlessness of the world we found ourselves located in following the Covid-19 pandemic. By portraying the struggles of its protagonist who finds himself unable to even move when the crushing weight of existence becomes overwhelming, the narrative further asserts the mundaneness of his routine which remains the same day after day. In terms of practical concerns, while the world continues to battle huge financial losses, the philosophical reality within is also not too far from a tumultous upheaval, suggests the plot.

Insomnia | Lockdown Film Challenge

The hour seems to be late when a man sits at his desk, urgently putting down words on paper. A fit of coughing followed by blood conveys to the viewer that his life is under threat. As he continues to write the letter, having already gone down a path of no return, the title of the film finally reveals the meaning behind the atmosphere set so far. By then, however, would it perhaps be too late for the character before us?

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