Reunion is a story of closure, obtained years after separation. This short film by Google is very well directed and crafted, especially how it captures the power of Google Search in daily life. The actors are good, as is the wonderful background track by Piyush Mishra, Bachpane ki tang gali. Go visit your childhood.

Reunion | Short Film of the Day

The film follows a non-linear narrative to give a glimpse into the life of a group of friends preparing to have a little celebration around New Year's time. It juxtaposes a chaotic, anxiety-ridden situation of a hospital, against a potentially cheery night of drinking, fun and frolic. Expectedly, this only serves to involve the viewer deeper into the story. The narrative develops most seamlessly and effortlessly, putting forth its dilemmas and stressors in a convincing manner. It is further embellished with strong performances, notable chemistry between the actors and the perfect capturing of tension that comes to form the core of the film. Attempting an engagement with the ideas of guilt, accountability, carelessness that leads to life-altering disasters, agony and relationship dynamics, Custody proves to be a well-paced, balanced product that remains an engrossing viewing experience throughout.

Custody | Pick of the Festival Circuit

The short film weaves its narrative craftily and leaves the viewer completely unprepared for what is in store for them. It induces a sense of discomfort and unease several times, without even remotely making it clear to the viewer the reason behind it, which serves to befuddle, but also engage them deeply. The chemistry between its two characters, Sid and Arun, threatens to spill something, to let at least a little secret slip for the audience's benefit, only to disappoint them further. The pace of the plot is maintained beautifully throughout, which when coupled with its inherent intrigue, makes Rawas a notable product. It's impossible to appreciate the comment it makes about a severe concern that plagues society and the manner in which it hides in plain sight, perhaps lurking in the most unexpected corners of our day-to-day life, without giving a spoiler. That is something the viewer would have to stumble across on their own, allowing this visual and story-telling treat (albeit disconcerting) of a film to take its time to build and shock them with its conclusion.

Rawas | Short Film of the Day

The latest offering by TVF’s Qtiyapa, ‘Padh Le Basanti’ is a humourous take on the dismal conditions of contemporary schools and the Indian education system. It draws attention to the teachers' deliberate efforts to not teach their students properly in the classroom, forcing them to come to them for tuitions. Set in a high school, the film uses Rang De Basanti as its inspiration in a comical way to highlight the intent of the teachers. The faculty leaves no option for the students, but to either cheat or spend money on their tuition fee. Matters come to a head when the topper of the school, Ajay is failed in his exams for being the sole force of resistance against tuition classes. His friends, led by DJ, then embark on a revolution with the help of their new teacher Miss Chu. Will this group of school students be able to provide the spark needed for the inferno of revolution?

Padh Le Basanti | School Qtiyapa TVF | Short Film of the Day

Brevity truly is the soul of wit, as this short film will go ahead to prove. Even in a few moments, The Last Day by Adhiraj Bose, weaves together the most heartwarming narrative of a friendship between two people who have lived together for eight years. However, life waits for none, and now it is indeed time for them to move on. This film handles the awkward, yet emotional parting between two friends in a moving manner. The mastery of the film lies in the fact that the situations it attempts to portray is not entirely unique, yet, instead of spiralling into corniness or mawkishness (or both), it sticks to a skilled and balanced treatment of it.

The Last Day | Short Film of the Day

The film is an unexpected, enjoyable and interesting union of lightheartedness, chirpiness, and something potentially disconcerting. Our first glimpse into its world is by way of a taxi ride that a man is part of. Even though we don't see a female presence next to him, we are soon told that a woman’s voice never leaves him alone. 

Instructing him with bizarre ideas, resulting in even more absurd situations, sometimes at his own expense, and sometimes at the expense of those around him, she is Rudy's constant companion. Her voice soon becomes a lovely metaphor for perhaps any inhibitions or limitations that might exist in the viewer’s mind as well, keeping them from being all that they can be, or doing all that they want to, be it socializing or feeling comfortable in their own skin and bodies. 

The film does a notable job of presenting all of these ideas to you without making itself overbearing or overwhelming. Its colors remain deliberately effervescent and fun, with the tone and approach matching the overall final result.

Thank You for Sharing | Short Film of the Day

When a group of friends are confined to a single house during the national lockdown following the coronavirus pandemic, of course the most hilarious and chaotic events are in tow. Adopting the stylistic approach of a mockumentary, the film shares its narrative with the viewer, allowing them to participate in all the hullabaloo that the house holds within itself. As its bound to be, the lockdown experience is complete with Ramayana telecasts, failed attempts to agree on a game, domestic chores that everyone slacks from, hidden packets of noodles and the complete loss of the concept of private space. The film exhibits skilled visuals and editing, and a dedication to weave and structure its story smartly. It fabricates its fictive space right at the heart of a real event, allowing the endeavour to be a successful one. While the plot becomes predictable at some instances, the progression of events it offers remains organic and smooth nevertheless, eventually allowing the film to ease into its conclusion.

Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki | Short Film of the Day

Sometimes we know so little about the people we interact with the most. First Sunday highlights this point very well. Veteran actress Kamini Kaushal stars in this moving story of an unlikely friendship. 

First Sunday | Short Film Nominee

The music video attempts to critique people's inability to receive criticism. They might realise the value of the criticism sooner or later, but never associate any value with the person or source it came from. Chitman adopts a unique idea to convey these intentions by using a superhero figure who goes around distributing chits to people with a personality flaw written on it. By its own admission, the filmmakers have drawn inspiration from the stylistic influences of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton to explore their concerns. While a Chitman may be the need of the hour, but is the world ready for him?

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