Bablu lost his parents during the migrant crisis that took place when millions of workers tried to return to their homes and native villages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the film premises itself on a reality as dark as this, the story it seemingly offers is one of hope, dreams, and in the process, upliftment. Using this as a starting point, however, the film eventually moves in decisively unexpected directions. 

The inevitable and consequent contrast proves impactful in driving the narrative’s message home. The screenplay and its many characters are constructed thoughtfully to ensure that even though at first glance the reality might require a slight suspension of disbelief, for instance, a group of kids playing football minus any adult supervision, the eventual conclusion of the film, reinstates all logic and rationale in the plot progression. 

Bablu works at his uncle's dhaba but harbors an innocent dream amidst it all - the dream of playing football like all the other more fortunate kids around him. As the two realities overlap, the film presents a story that is sure to stay with the viewer long after they are done watching the film. Though not devoid of limitations that might sometimes afflict a project spearheaded by young actors, the storytelling, visual structure, and world-building exhibit skill and finesse.

Kaash (If Only) | Short Film of the Month

‘Nutmeg’ is a riot of colors, and a deliberate and entertaining disarray. A group of boys move about the limited physical space of this bottle episode-esque set-up. A boy is very disappointed at not making it to the football team. The spectators to his sorrow include lackeys, stoners, uninterested lurkers, and of course, the viewer. The narrative does a commendable job of maintaining consistency of approach, and roping in a sense of absurdism, while exhibiting deep potential in storytelling. It further evidences innovative use of surroundings and aesthetics to share its intentions with you, leaving one with the promise of more storytelling on similar lines.

Nutmeg | Short Film Nominee

The film is a lovely, entertaining watch that takes a light-hearted, but unmissable, look at one’s preoccupation with thoughts that may never materialize in the real world. The moment chosen to explore all of this is also defined by zest. It is the very instant when a boy is about to hit a potentially winning (and therefore marked by extremely high stakes) goal for his team during a football match. In that single moment, a whole universe of anxieties and overthinking is conjured both for the viewer as well as the protagonist, with each scenario more terrifying, and humorous, even if it at the expense of the protagonist, than the previous. 

Despite a little inconsistency in its visuals, the film’s storytelling becomes its most marked strength, along with the character of an endearingly stern mother, brought to life by a convincing performance.

Kitna Sochega Bro | Short Film Nominee

The short film is simple, but heartwarming. It's also about growing up and the flowering of childhood innocence into maturity and wisdom, without being preachy or mournful. A young boy, who begs for money on traffic lights and falls asleep on the beach, finds himself longing for a football one day. However, when he finally manages to put together enough money for it, will he go ahead to buy it?

B For Baloon | Short Film Nominee

The ad film tells the unfortunate story of a man's struggle to not wreak havoc on his bed while watching a football match. Though his bachelor days might not have entirely seen this as an obstacle, things change after he gets married. The constant creaking of the mattress leaves his wife unimpressed and she communicates the displeasure in no equivocal terms. Hello, a new fancy mattress which ensures that only one side of the bed is disrupted, even during vigorous movement, keeping the other side protected from the said havoc. The short video is direct in its attempt to put the message across, and this is also why it succeeds in achieving the same.

Most Viewed

Genres

Awards

Follow Us

Quick Links