The first instance that the viewer encounters in the film is a harmless situation of a mother nagging her son to be more responsible. So far, so good, right? Wrong for this, in no way, prepares you for what is to come, and when it finally does, it takes a moment to realise what truly hit you. The narrative is conceived beautifully, making its writing the most notable aspect of the film, with the visuals at a close second. Before you know it, our two characters have found themselves in a deep mess with little to no escape possible. Moments of humour are tied with elements of crime and drama seamlessly to ensure that you remain at the edge of your seat throughout, completely blindsided by the events that will continue to unfold. There indeed is no rest for the wicked as we learn from the misfortunes of our characters who take us along on this bumpy ride of unexpected violence, the consequent panic and the desperate attempts to find a way out of it. As broken glass bottles become their biggest foe, leading them to terrifying situations, the film covers a long distance between its opening and closing visuals, keeping you involved the whole time.

What The... | Short Film of the Day

The title of the film, Shunyata which translates to 'the void', sets a horizon of expectation for the viewer about the further development of events that would come to define this narrative. It is marked by two of its most noteworthy elements - the story in itself and the stellar performance by Jackie Shroff who brings to the screen a perfect balance of ruggedness and vulnerability. Within its folds, as the film reveals gradually, also lie significant social comments - from callousness and violence on the part of the police, to poverty that drives unsuspecting children into the underbelly of petty crime. It further invokes emotions of guilt, regret and the inability to break out of a murky, bleak existence one may have led oneself to. All of it ensures that the plot develops in a coherent, organic manner. The motivations of the characters are well-explored and convincing, and complete with skilled performances and striking chemistry. While the entirety of the film is marked by its dim-lighting, perhaps to suggest the shadowy world its characters exist in, as well as the unclear territories they grapple with emotionally and internally, the visuals could have still gained from a little more control. Overall, the film, however, remains a sharp and thought-provoking glimpse into a world that exists on the streets marked by visceral violence, crime, drug peddling and mercenaries.

Shunyata | Short Film of the Day

The voiceover at the beginning of the film introduces the viewer to the idea of the unexpected nature of life, and soon takes us back in time to portray the origin of the events that are about to unfold in the narrative. A petty crime gone wrong lands a rookie criminal in hot water with the senior gangsters of the area. While it was an act performed out of desperation, he now finds himself in life-threatening circumstances, struggling to secure a way out of them. The film aims for and achieves the stylistic sleekness of crime fiction, telling an engaging story all along. The performances are convincing with a notable story to be shared with the viewer. Though the narration at the beginning has already set a premise in motion, what unexpected course would the events at hand finally take?

Bhangam | Short Film Nominee

The narrative employs distinct elements to create an atmosphere of suspense and thrill. It opens with a visual whose significance is ascertained only by the climax and the eventual conclusion of the film. The story is of a single mother and her daughter's birthday. As she busies herself baking a cake for her, a visitor arrives, unexpectedly for the viewer, but can the same be said for the protagonist? It develops to unravel the secrets for the benefit of its audience and perhaps, manages to catch their attention too in the process. However, despite the potential in the story, the film would have benefited with a more gradual ending, one that would have allowed it a pace to build and come into itself organically.

B'day Cake | Short Film Nominee

Three hard-boiled thugs are playing a friendly game of carom in a dim-lit, shabby garage when the younger one, Sekar breaks into an aggressive rant. He suggests to end the cycle of abuse and exploitation put in motion by their ultimate senior, Selvam, by murdering him. Keshava excitedly welcomes this idea as both try to convince their anna of the scheme. 
Enraged over such a ghastly proposition, the anna, at first reprimands them and then reminds them of his loyalty of twelve long years to Selvam. However, the tide turns, as Sekar and Keshava successfully talk him into seeking vengeance for the years of injustice inflicted upon him. Nevertheless, we soon realize the true motives of the young manipulators, reinforcing the ‘every person for himself’ trope in the crime thriller genre.

Poongaatre Pudhidhanadhu | Short Film Nominee

After a man has committed several acts of extreme violence, can he let go of the burden of the endless pain he has caused to others? The film raises the same question, the answer to which also rests within its folds. A gangster finds himself unable to reconcile to the guilt of his past deeds. The consequent emotional pressure soon begins to take a disturbing shape, presenting itself in the form of paranoia that he cannot shake off. Constantly feeling as if he is being followed, he is incapable of moving on with life. As the pain, guilt, and the awareness of his wrongdoings continue to become increasingly overbearing, where will the protagonist find himself at the end of it all?

Peeche | Short Film Nominee

A smuggler and a gangster desire to possess the coveted Redstone. They strike a deal, but it falls
apart because one of them cheats. The film showcases that action and drama. A new character is introduced at the
end to leave the audience asking for more. It should be noted that the film is entirely shot and edited on an iPhone, allowing some room for its missed aims as it puts forth its intentions before the viewer. The presence of the new character hints at subsequent parts to the story, which would perhaps be turned into a series by the team.

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