The narrative is marked by smooth visuals and an effortless manner of generating laughter. However, unfortunately for the characters, it is often at the cost of their misadventures. Three men are in pursuit of the perfect toddy to quench their thirst. After picking up a fight with a local restaurant, their leader takes them to an underground seller of the drink who only conducts black market transactions. When things go south again, at this final attempt at securing a drink for themselves, of course interesting events are in tow. The film is a fun, entertaining watch with notable performances and organic developments. It maintains its taut pace throughout, keeping the viewer involved, and leaving them with a smile once the story concludes in its own lighthearted, endearing way.

Madhushala | Short Film of the Day

Two men, alcohol and the darkness of the night - three essential components constitute the world of ‘Bangla’. The title of the film is a clear reminder of language which, in turn, echoes the primary driving force of the film. Communication and conversation propel the narrative forward as the characters before us discuss their lives in a state of inebriation. 

There is drinking, banter, cussing, some more drinking, and a quiet, wry acknowledgment of the many tribulations of existence. Though the film stands to gain from a firmer control on its lighting and sound, more so if the visuals are choosing dim-lit frames, there remains an intrinsic sense of poetry within the narrative.

Bangla | Short Film Nominee

The coronavirus lockdown has ensured that not only are we confined to our houses, but has also deprived us of several things that we may have earlier taken for granted. The story of the film shows three such situations where the characters find it absolutely impossible to stay away from their usual addictions. Consequently, they instead choose to risk their health, ignoring the national advisories pertaining to quarantine, to procure them. What will their fate truly be - will they allow themselves to ignore their safety as well as of others, or will they wake up from their indifference and negligence in time?

Lockdown | Short Film Nominee

The short film aims to draw attention to an issue that deeply afflicts the Indian society - hunger and starvation, especially among children. The story builds a narrative that uses a bad habit - excess alcohol consumption, to drive home the point that things are not always as neatly black and white as we make them out to be. The visuals exhibit promising camerawork and the plot is well-meaning, attempting to do its bit for the betterment of society. Overall, the film will leave the viewer with a positive message to never underestimate their efforts when it comes to improving the state of affairs in the contemporary world.

Bhook | Short Film Nominee

With its lighthearted approach and comedic timing, the short film takes the viewer into the life of three housemates making a drinking plan. The narrative is simple with attempts at humour to introduce the characters and their dilemmas to its audience. The story wants to play on their chemistry and camaraderie, while also invoking a sense of confusion as plans overlap. It moves between their interactions with each other as well as their own interior monologues to present forth a story of casually amusing and easy moments.

Ghar: The House | Short Film Nominee

The narrative attempts to be a warning against addiction and the abuse of intoxicants. It wants to achieve the same by presenting to the viewer the shadow of who a person used to be before addiction completely overpowered their life. It further talks about the shadow or the gloom that is cast on someone's life once they find themselves entrapped by addiction. The story is told by two contrasting sets of visuals showing a young boy indulging in all kinds of intoxicants juxtaposed against the same person struggling in a hospital to heal and recover. Now his health is perhaps no more than the shattered glass, broken into several pieces, as the closing visual of the film suggests.

Shadow | Short Film Nominee

Alcohol consumption can prove to be a true menace for the body, if not regulated and paid attention to. The short film invokes the same concern with its single-character narrative. A boy sits by himself, watching television and chatting to a friend on his phone. Simultaneously, he pours himself a drink. However, soon he finds himself standing before a mirror that shows him two contrasting realities - of life and death. The one thing that alters it is the glass of alcohol in his hand. The film is well-intentioned and wants to communicate a positive message to its audience. At the same time, it would have been enhanced further by consistent and more seamless editing that allowed the contrast between the reality and the reflection of the protagonist to be smoother.

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