It's the little moments that make up life as well as a good short film. Katran, a glimpse into these seemingly unimportant moments, is the story of an elderly couple which has decided to part ways after three decades of marriage. The chemistry between Piyush Mishra and Alka Amin beautifully captures the conflict and makes it the strongest aspect of the narrative. The protagonists are supported most efficiently by the other characters in the film which make brief, but not any less significant appearances. As the story progresses, it becomes clear to the viewer that separation indeed is the most peaceful and ideal solution for the couple. However is that the path they will also eventually choose to move ahead?

Katran | Piyush Mishra | Short Film of the Day

The Aparshakti Khurana-starrer is about the story of a man trying to get rid of a dog named Nawab left in the wake of his failed marriage. As the protagonist struggles with his divorce after being married for four years, his wife makes it clear that Nawab will be his responsibility. From dog shelters to just plain abandonment in the middle of the road, the story moves from one point to another, taking the viewer deeper into a hilarious and endearing narrative about loss and grief. It also boasts of an understated, yet powerful character execution by Mallika Dua, a commendable and hard to achieve combination. A special treat for animal lovers, the film is supplemented with important lessons on life, pain and companionship, along with a strong performance by Khurana.

Nawab | Aparshakti Khurana, Mallika Dua, Maria Goretti | Large Short Films

Here's how a match of table tennis between a mother and her son becomes a metaphor for the battles they have been fighting with each other. Starring Mandira Bedi and Rohan Shah, Deuce is a mature handling of a troubled relationship. The narrative sticks to a single conversation between its two characters with camera smoothly switching frames from one face to another. It also offers a fresh take on parent-child equation, especially one left behind in the aftermath of a separation.

Deuce | Short Film of the Day

The music video tells the story of a woman who is just stepping out of matrimony. As a first in a long time, she begins to explore life on her own terms. Both the singing and the visual treatment pursue a poetic tone in aiming to bring the thought to life. 

The final result of the musical narrative, though marked by a little rawness, is soulful, accompanied by an intrinsic tenderness. The same remains evident in all of the symbolism it employs. Be it the image of boats waiting at the shore to sail away, a couple of birds as one flies away or simply an urban night where a woman drives alone with only the city lights as her companion, the imagery remains consistent.

Hawaayein | Short Film Nominee

Relationships, much like life, are wonderful in their impermanence and imperfections. Perhaps it is this particular fleetingness which allow them their charm. Another similarity between relationships and life is the unpredictability of their course, at the same time making the former only a sub-part of the latter whole. The short film is a quiet exploration of the same thought. A couple is speaking with one another on a video call. While they discuss their day-to-day affairs, suggesting the reality of a locked down world we were all too familiar with the past year, the viewer is allowed a closer glimpse into their relationship. As they reminisce their college days, the playful banter is not entirely devoid of a little unease. A loose remark here or a subtle tinge of regret there communicates it to you that there is more to their story than you may have assumed. When this revelation finally arrives, it carries with it the core message of the film about the forever forward moving passage of time.

Remember Me | Short Film Nominee

Right after the title of the film constructs a specific reality for us, we are introduced to a world that is far from that. The bickering voices of a couple ensure that the realm of the narrative is not even remotely close to happiness. The contrast serves as our segue into a conversation between Abhilasha and Samay, with an overly friendly waiter serving as comic relief at the most crucial moments. The disparate clothing of the two characters further asserts the difference in the worlds that they inhabit. 

The conversation progresses to reveal a significant thought, one about the ideas of happily-ever-afters and how they are not simply restricted to eternity and forevers. The idea is a refreshing one, marking a success for the film, even if the sound and edit exhibit a few wrinkles that can be ironed out. Additionally, the character of Abhilasha offers a performance that complements all of these elements which, in turn, together allow the film to come into its own.

Happily Ever After | Short Film Nominee

A couple is in the middle of a disagreement when, to the man's shock, his wife presents him with divorce papers. The end she wants to put to their relationship is abrupt and cold, but complete as she clarifies she does not even want alimony from him. However, throughout, the man comes across as unwilling to part ways. During the conversation, subtle but integral details are also revealed - the mention of a hospital visit being one. When the film finally reveals its intentions, it takes the viewer by surprise in a positive manner, leaving them with an important message about love and togetherness. Inherent to its core is also the idea of unconditional affection and accepting one another beyond superficial notions of appearances and external elements.

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