The contemporary scenario is such that any film that attempts to talk about the nation runs the risk of either falling in the category of nationalistic propaganda or condemnation of the country. Several products have even suffered because of this inherent bias, despite not subscribing to either of the two. Hence when you are left pleasantly surprised and convinced of the good intentions of a short film like Azaadi, it's a welcome change. The film is the story of a young boy writing an essay on freedom and what it means to him. Through the process of educating the child about the ideas of freedom, the same is attempted for the viewer as well. The film consists of a moving climax and end, but delivers a lukewarm quality in terms of performances. Also, it would be preferable to see characters wear a seat belt while driving in a film that positions itself as the conveyer of a social message.

Azaadi | Short Film of the Day

Invoking the memory of Pulwama attack on 14th February 2019, this Kannada short film engages with the themes of war, the futility of it and death perhaps being the only peaceful conclusion to it. It also touches upon the hardships of a soldier's life and what it truly means when it comes to his familial responsibilities. The story is narrated from the point of view of a mother who lost her son to the violence of it all. It conjures up a parallel reality of her son's peaceful return on Valentine's Day, if for nothing, then simply for the promise he had made to his family. However, will this reality ever be realised? The camerawork shows potential, so do the performances. There is also a dedicated attempt to stir deep emotion at the loss and grief of all those families who lost their loved ones to war.

Black Thursday | Short Film Nominee

The short film is a daughter's lament in the memory of her father. The story is about a young girl who wants to write a letter to her father, an Indian Army captain. She misses his presence as he goes about discharging his duties towards the country. Though there is an innocent questioning of why she does not get to be with him, there is also a calm realisation of the importance of his role as an army officer. Sandesh attempts an intelligent camerawork to talk about the notions of separation and longing, but would have definitely benefitted from a little more maturity in the execution of the same.

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