Delirium is a skilled execution of an entire story within the confines of a single room. With a notable performance by its only actor, the film weaves a narrative of a young man struggling with heartbreak. As it progresses, it further presents to the viewer visuals and editing that exhibit potential. The plot develops to introduce us with the protagonist's relationship with intoxicants, and eventually reveals a reality opposite of what the viewer might have expected. Though the film would have benefited from a tighter pace and a more subtle background score, its simple story is told with a sincerity and honesty that is hard to miss. It further gives a glimpse into an individual's battle with substances, as well as emotional blackholes, both of which threaten to pull him back inside at the slightest negligence and loss of control. On the whole, the story manages to involve its audience to the extent that it is in the triumphs of the protagonist that their triumph lies.

Delirium | Short Film of the Day

Bittoo Escobar is a colorful, vibrant joyride that should not be missed for anything. Marked by seamless visual storytelling, the film captures a moment in Mumbai that, in several ways, becomes a microcosmic representation of the city. This is achieved by bringing to life two parallel narratives about an unnamed character, developed and contrasted against each other. Our protagonist is an irreverent, jaunty character who is located at the margins of society. A product of her environment, she finds her existence defined by a constant financial struggle, and yet, she is fearless in her desire to not just survive, but thrive. Consequently, no obstacle is big enough to intimidate or daunt her, at least outwardly. Amidst the hullabaloo of it all, Bittoo Escobar, as a police officer names her in a fit of annoyance, pushes through, refusing to give in. In terms of technique, the film exhibits polish and finesse with its lovely visuals, elegant transitions and prowess in writing. It would further be interesting to see it as a longer project, allowing the viewer to go on more of the character's (mis)adventures.

Bittoo Escobar | Short Film of the Month

The first introduction the film offers to the viewer is marked by a tone of urgency - a small time drug peddler has somehow landed himself in dangerous proximity to a cop. As he makes a hurried call to a companion, the audience is invested and involved, without even realising that they are already rooting for him. The visuals introduce us to the lateness of the hour marked by empty streets, inhabited only by street dogs. The story is interesting in the manner in which it adds layers and texture to the narrative without truly making anything explicit. Consequently, we are informed of financial trouble, the aftermath of beef ban and police foiling the business of peddlers. To add to it all, a suspicious visitor arrives at the doorstep as the two characters try to figure out the course of action ahead. The mood is eery, the hour unearthly, how will the remnants of the night develop?

Breath | Short Film Nominee

Addiction and substance abuse are behind several malpractices in society that include violence, self-afflicted and that which is meted out to others, suicide and loss of precious human potential. The short film does a notable job of drawing our attention to this issue. It employs a smooth edit, and complementary visuals to share its intentions, while also revealing the underbelly of seedy drug deals between unsuspecting youth, and peddlers who care for little beyond their money. On the whole, the film becomes a relevant narrative about a very pressing issue. The same is presented to us by portraying the plight of the hapless protagonist who battles the demons of addiction in a lonely, isolated corner of his life.

Aaa - Addiction Alert Awake | Short Film Nominee

A moment in time, a call for help that doesn't arrive, and a single man’s battle against delinquency and the seedy world of crime - it is in these elements that the film is presented to the viewer. The plot, however, is not simply confined to this single moment, but also stretches to include what preceded it, as well as a gradual establishment of developments that will constitute the action that is to follow. 

The screenplay exhibits investment of thought, along with skill in the performance. It is only a slight dip in the visuals that robs the film of points it otherwise scores in other departments. As the title is pronounced, the story finally concludes with a situation that has only begun to come into existence, thereby leaving one with the promise of a subsequent part.

Delayed | Short Film Nominee

The film is exciting and notable in the vast extremes of its opening and closing note. It begins with a boy's conversation about his anxiety disorder with a doctor. However, on his way back from the appointment, things take a turn for the worse when a seedy, corrupt cop finds weed in his car. The protagonist's night continues to devolve into one misadventure after another, eventually leading to the conclusion the viewer should definitely stick around for. The writing is the most significant aspect of the film which provides you with familiar and yet unpredictable characters. It further allows the development of events to be organic, despite its short length, overall enabling the film to be an entertaining watch.

Blowback | Short Film Nominee

The very beginning of the film ensures a swankiness of style that would come to be associated with this sleek thriller about a hit-and-run, drugs and violence. It further employs an intelligence of visuals and framing (albeit marked by want of some control on light), as well as editing that enables the film to be a colourful and engaging experience for the viewer throughout. The story in itself is fairly simple - it's about a night when a man runs a person over with his car in the darkness of the night. However, are the events truly going to unfold in the manner both he and the audience have been led to believe so far? Soon enough, this question is answered as the narrative brings in a twist at the climax, true to the self-assured and noticeably sharp approach it had opened with, allowing the plot an unexpected culmination into its conclusion.

Big Rush | Short Film Nominee

The narrative maps the trajectory of an addict and their relationship with substance abuse. Divided into several chapters, it covers the entire spectrum that includes routine, dependence, use, abuse of the substance and so on. The natural progression of this eventually leads to the realisation of the emptiness of life at the other end of the spectrum. The story further adopts the template of a documentary, bringing in experiences of different characters as well as their account of their interactions with drugs and intoxicants. This is weaved together with the story of the protagonist and his struggles with substance abuse. All of it is tied together in a fictional manner and aims to blur the lines between fiction and non-fiction. The performance shows potential which can be explored further in future projects. Additionally, the film wants to serve as a reminder of what addiction can truly do to a person's life, and leaves the viewer with a fair warning of the extent of damage it is capable of causing.

Vyasani: The Addict | Short Film Nominee

The story of Substance is one of guilt, male sexuality and consent, and passion that sometimes turns out to be an all-consuming inferno. The film opens with a murky situation that has warranted the involvement of police. It further unfolds to reveal that a murder has taken place, which is later discovered to be an overdose on drugs instead. As soon as the viewer begins to get comfortable with this truth, another unexpected turn awaits them, one that would involve the weaving of the narrative from the start all over again. The progression of events leads to the resurfacing of guilt, along with a dark reality that the protagonist had attempted to conceal so far. The plot unravels to reveal a truth far from what the viewer had been led on to believe. Notions of right and wrong are brought under scrutiny as all drama boils down to the decision of a police officer in the face of a character's deep repentance. Sometimes the punishment as well as the redemption of a sin is the knowledge and the regret of having committed it, along with the inability to undo it, and that indeed is the message the film attempts to drive home.

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