The film is a sincere endeavour to bring to attention the several tribulations a man faces during the lockdown following the coronavirus pandemic. The narrative adopts a gradual disintegration that begins as loss of existing work commitments on the very first day when the lockdown comes into force. While the initial phases of the situation witness aid being provided by philanthropes and well-meaning organisations, the protagonist soon begins to see the rise in financial trouble around him, costing people as much as their lives due to failure to secure essential medical treatment. As things continue to unravel and bills pile up due to lack of any source of income, the direness too rises with every passing day, eventually leaving him with little to no hope. The film also makes a pertinent comment about the importance of kindness in our day-to-day lives irrespective of the troubles we might be battling ourselves. Additionally, the camerawork exhibits investment of thought and a desire to innovate.

Ambala Koothan | 2020 Film Challenge

The story of the film invokes an extremely important concern and uses an interesting manner to engage with it. Marked with shadows, darkness and a sense of thrill and unease, the film is a conversation about a specific kind of trauma - one that is left in the wake of failure. As the young protagonist, under immense financial burden along with being out of a job, struggles with the uncertainty of his life, as well as the pressure to support his family, the narrative comes into its own. It endeavours a disconcerting story about the intensity of the horror residing within oneself, further allowing it to present all of this tension and anxiety, portrayed in a visual manner, for the viewer to participate in.

Survival Terror | Short Film Nominee

The narrative of I Allot Your Room is marked by a conversation between two people - a man and a woman. As the two discuss a few details, the viewer is first led to believe that this is perhaps a chat about a hotel booking he has made, and has now arrived to claim his room. However, the story soon develops to reveal a far more disturbing reality. An engagement is thus invoked with the ideas of death, afterlife, work and financial pressure and how it can sometimes lead one to make irrevocable decisions. Though the form of the story seems to subscribe more to that of a podcast than a film, the final product remains marked by storytelling and performances that exhibit competence and potential.

I Allot Your Room | Lockdown Film Challenge

Taking the viewer into different pockets of Garwal, Uttarakhand, the documentary film gives a glimpse into the 'ghost villages' of the state. Due to the dwindling economies of small, hilly towns, several of them have been witness to mass migrations to cities and more urban areas in search of primarily employment. This has left the population of many parts of the state at an all-time low, shows the film. A project of limited resources, the film strives to do its best to utilise them efficiently. More stability in its visuals would have benefited it further. Overall, the narrative remains a sincere attempt to bring to the fore the voices of several people - from a retired teacher to a chef, to name a few, to drive its point home. Additionally, the closing thought that the film is likely to leave the viewer with is of how, despite the natural beauty, the hills have now become abandoned spaces where the inhabitants have flown away to far-away lands in search of better opportunities.

Ghost Villages | Short Film Nominee

When the Covid-19 lockdown hit India, it did not simply alter our reality and confined us indoors, but also led to great economic and financial adversity for those whose profession depended on stepping out and interacting with others. The short film is an attempt to bring to life one such story of tribulations by choosing a clown as its protagonist whose sole source of income was performing at birthday parties and making little children laugh. However, now he finds himself located in a far darker world which is defined by constant distress, substance abuse and the threat of addiction. Amidst it all, will he be able to find his way back to those who he loves and needs?

The Party Popper | Lockdown Film Challenge

A man and a woman are on a video call. While it is a rushed morning for one, who is about to head out for work, the other is concerned about his decision of going to work in the first place during a pandemic. They discuss the situation at hand, the woman making it clear how displeasing it is. At the end of it all, a negative development awaits the man regarding his employment. The decision that he takes after it lucidly portrays the primary thought behind the narrative which has only been hinted at so far using the film's title.

Blinders and the Horse | Lockdown Film Challenge

With a positive message at its core, the short film sets about weaving a narrative that is about empathy and kindness. It not only highlights the efforts of those health workers who are on the front lines of the battle against coronavirus, but also reminds the viewer to take care of those who might not be as fortunate as others.

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