‘Rubaroo’ applies an interesting approach to its visual development which ensures that the punch of the film truly lands. The plot has set out to convey an important social message, one about cruel, brutal acid attacks carried out against women in India. 

The communication of the message is achieved with swift narratorial progression, as well as a strong performance, most crucial for the triumph of the film. Together the various elements come forth to present a powerful narrative which, in turn, succeeds in telling an urgent story.

Rubaroo | Short Film of the Day

A little boy, equipped with his art supplies, makes his way to a quiet spot in the lap of nature. With mountains as his only companion, he sits down to paint the scene before him. While taking down the scene exactly as it is, he stumbles across a reality he might have missed at first glance. 
As this alters his approach to his surroundings in particular, and the natural world in general, the film’s core motivation is echoed seamlessly. Art and its communion with nature lead our young protagonist to a crucial understanding of his immediate reality, further emphasizing how some of the truest, most important lessons are found in a quiet interaction with nature, and not always in classrooms. 
While adults might sometimes miss this truth, the little boy is quick to grasp it. By giving a subtle reminder to protect and preserve nature, the film also emphasizes how being aware of one's relationship with the world can also deeply enrich our lives and experiences as people who inhabit it.

Halfway | Short Film of the Day

The film documents the life of the primary inhabitants of Kaziranga National Park, the greater one-horned Indian rhinoceros. It emphasises the importance of human-animal coexistence while providing an exclusive insight into the life of the endangered species. The repercussions of yearly flooding of the park by the Brahmaputra, illegal poaching activities and other human-made problems are brought to attention. A major part of the narrative focuses on the conservation of the species by rehabilitating the separated infants in Manas National Park. 
Through its engagement with the many aspects of nature and its relationship with humankind, the film also sends out the message that even though we may be the chosen ones for dominating and advancing the world as a result of natural selection, sustainable development and protection of the sacred ecosystem is of utmost importance. There is further the suggestion that if desired, the two can indeed go hand-in-hand as well. Not only does the narrative leave the viewer with a positive development about the rhinoceros population in India which has risen to 3600 in 2020 from a mere 75 in 1905, it further reiterates that wildlife conservation is an ongoing journey which can be enriched greatly with simply a little human effort

Gainda: A Conservation Story | Short Film of the Day

‘Waste’ is a deeply entertaining film, fresh in its approach and storytelling, ensuring that you are amused and involved throughout. The film ropes in a background score that works wonderfully in its favor as it introduces you to a woman who works as a daily wage labourer. While she may have to deal with a life of physical labor and corrupt bosses who withhold her due, that is not exactly what the film is about. 

Our protagonist is the most unlikely character, with the most unlikely proclivities in life. Despite a little inconsistency in the visuals, it is through the exploration of these that the narrative not only shares its intentions, but also eventually leaves you with its core message, one that has already been pronounced in the film's title.

Waste | Short Film Nominee

‘Pechu’ is an important story, especially relevant in a pandemic-ridden and technology-obsessed world where isolation and loneliness gain even more staggering proportions. A man is about to take his life by suicide. He stands on the precipice of a building when his attempt is foiled by a very unlikely visitor - a drunken man. 
It is revealed he too has come to this desolate rooftop for the same act, and a conversation ensues between the two. Through the stories and experiences that they exchange, the film offers its message about a very important, but often ignored, concern of mental health, with its writing as a crucial tool in achieving this.

Pechu | Short Film Nominee

At the heart of ‘Kaaval’ rests a crucial message about the conservation of wildlife which humans have exploited endlessly for their material gains. The manner of communicating the same to the viewer is defined by thrill, suspense, mystery and even a suggestion of the fantastical. 

Visuals of lush forests soon take an overwhelming turn as they are coupled with a sense of the unknown. A forest ranger, Sabari is on a quest to dispel the mystery of sounds of gunshot he had heard during the day, followed by finding the head of a dead animal floating in a stream. His path soon crosses with the unlikely Satpathy who presents to him an account of a ranger before him who went missing in the jungle, never to be found again, taking him deeper into the many secrets that lurk in this unexplored space. 
 
Matters soon come to a head when Sabari is eventually faced with a formidable foe. As he fights for his escape and survival, the narrative further ropes in action and violence, and at the end of it all, ties them together to present the final narrative as a balanced whole, along with an emphasis on its pressing, educational message about the protection of wildlife.

Kaaval - Under The Watchful Eyes | Short Film Nominee

‘Anjom’ is a story of injustice and corruption, and the attempts of a wronged man to take matters into his own hands. The narrative shares its ideas in an experimental manner, portraying each event with clarity. 

After a man sexually assaults a woman, her family seeks the help of the law to bring the perpetrator to justice. However, his deep pockets and a corrupt police officer ensure that he goes scot-free, making a complete mockery of law courts and the justice system. Thus is born the thirst for revenge delineated for the viewer with smooth visuals, alongside the educational message that the film wants to leave the audience with.

Anjom | Short Film Nominee

Visuals of lush Kerala countryside take us into the world of the film. We are soon introduced to its cheery protagonist who seems to be at ease in a world defined by beauty and joy. However, forces of human nature soon disrupt this idyllic harmony as a man begins to follow her home in an attempt to assault her. Without giving in to glorification of helplessness and plight of women, the film instead offers a comment about strength, courage and the absolute need to inculcate these values in young women. The writing is direct and lucid, and is supplemented by seamless visuals that eventually take the film home.

Thoombu | Short Film Nominee

The film has a very crucial message at its core. The manner of exploring this is horror, making the progression of events both shocking and involving for the viewer. When the protagonist, Rahul, wakes up one morning, the date on the calendar is a strange one - 31st April. Before we can ponder over this detail for too long, he is visited by his friend Pranay, and thus begins a series of even stranger events. 
An open pack of cigarettes is found mysteriously sealed. As Rahul shares a smoke with Pranay on his balcony, the doorbell rings. He opens the door to find Pranay standing at the doorstep. Things continue to build, alongside attempts to experiment with the edit, and with this progression of events, the film’s story comes into existence. 
All strange occurrences are eventually explained, alongside a deeply disturbing revelation that awaits the protagonist at the film’s conclusion.

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