One day a grandfather decides to write a letter to his newly born grandson. He condenses all his experiences and lessons learnt from life in a letter which this beautiful short film shares with the viewer. In a world where there is no end to headlines about hatred, pain and loss, Khat reinstills hope most poignantly. Maybe giving life a second chance is not too bad an idea. Maybe we were put here to make it a more wonderful place, even if slightly so. This short film leaves you with all of this more. It reminds you why it's important to never give up hope, to always remember to fall in love, and above all, to never stop dreaming and trying.

Khat | Short Film of the Day

‘Seher’ is a heartfelt film, bringing to life a quiet mellowness on screen. The entirety of it is a conversation between Abhay and Hussna, a conversation that begins at a very pivotal point in the night for both characters. 

The ensuing exchange offers an earnest exploration of grief, loss, death, heartbreak, and some more. As they catch up, we hear of the many tribulations that afflict their lives in the form of infidelity, the uncertainty of life for a freelancer, financial troubles, the obstacles presented by the pandemic, mental health issues, and failure in love. 

The myriad emotions are shared without overwhelming the narrative. Even though we never see the two characters together in the same physical space, their palpable chemistry portrays the film’s reality with conviction and ease. The thread that ties the film as one is held tightly in place by a beautiful exploration of a Platonic friendship, and the idea of people saving each other not by grand gestures, but by simply sharing small, simple pockets of bonding, care, and affection.

Seher | Short Film of the Day

The music video, with its title translating to 'prayer', is a wonderful splash of colors, matched in its approach by the overall aesthetic and ambience of the narrative. Similar visuals of a man lying down against different backgrounds are put next to each other to enhance it all. The video thus becomes a stringing together of vast expanses of the sea, rocks and the endless sky, as if viewed from the eyes of a divine being looking down upon earth from their heavenly abode. 
The sole character of the video sings to an unnamed, nondescript god about the state of things on the planet. Even as he sings for protection from imminent obstacles, there is still the invocation of an unexpected, uplifting sense of hope and warmth. The vocals are equally matched, and ensure that the final result is presented forth in a balanced, wholesome manner.

Prarthaney | Short Film of the Day

The documentary introduces us to a powerful subject, Nihad Panju, who not only holds an intimidating world record but also carries within him a story impossible to look away from. After a serious illness as a baby left him battling partial paralysis, Nihad’s life was defined by long years of isolation, hard work, the many sacrifices and compromises that his ever-supportive family made, alongside discipline, perseverance, and the vehement refusal to quit. 

Overcoming the toughest odds, Nihad now holds the world record of being the fastest runner with hemiplegia to complete a half marathon, in addition to leading a deeply fulfilling and meaningful life. The visual and narratorial progression of the film does a notable job of capturing all of these emotions. In the end, the story that the viewer is presented with is one of hope and the indomitable nature of the human spirit, allowing the film to succeed in the communication of all its intentions with lucidity and impact.

Nihad Panju | Short Film of the Day

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

The film presents a heartwarming story of hope, and an iron resolve that overcomes all odds. A child and his older sister, Rachna try to make it in the world on their own. She works at a small shop but is forever preoccupied with her brother not going to school and taking care of the duties expected of him. The younger brother, on the other hand, finding himself too oppressed by the demands of a school that seems to serve him very little, embarks on a journey of his own. 
Nestled at the heart of the story is the idea of following your dreams, and how this pursuit has the potential of becoming the fire that triumphs over all obstacles. The chemistry and performances of the actors are effortless and allow the film to convey all of these intentions and ideas with ease. 

The two children are notable in the energy and the sibling equation they bring to life. The camerawork shows expertise, even if a little loosening of control appears in the form of lighting towards the end. The final result, however, remains straightforward and successfully shares a story of sibling love, the importance of dreams, and the hope to fulfill them.

Most Viewed

Genres

Awards

Follow Us

Quick Links