Three orphan boys, who somehow fight back the many obstacles of penury to survive, one day scrap enough money to visit the local carnival. As Monty, Kamal and Kunnu reach the fare, little are they aware of how an entry ticket too has to be bought first.


 Spending all their money at the entrance itself leaves them with none for rides or other colorful, dazzling attractions the space holds. As they move from one mini-adventure to another, vicariously enjoying the fare through other patrons, while also longingly staring at the families and children who got dealt a better hand at life than them, the visit nevertheless becomes full of surprises and twists. All of these visuals enjoy the portrayal they deserve with sophisticated camerawork and a judicious use of a very young cast.

 Things finally come to a head in a high-paced chase scene which completely alters the course of the night, and perhaps, also the lives of the little boys. As the older boy comforts the younger one with truths he is not entirely sure of himself, the viewer is allowed a poignant moment where a child is deprived of the innocence of childhood, and forced by the many cruelties of the adult world to acquire the role of the protective caretaker. This protectiveness is evident right from the very start; the undeniable sense of the three of them against the world pervades the plot throughout, allowing us an endearing story of friendship, camaraderie, but one which is cut too short too soon by tragedy.

Mela | Short Film of the Month

‘Chimta’ loves to lead your expectations in a specific direction regarding the mood and intentions of the story, only to deliberately foil them. Consequently, it forms a bond with the viewer right at the onset which ensures that they stay with it, and its endearing protagonist, Chimta, till the very end. 

In a pandemic-stricken world, Chimta, a twelve-year-old-boy who simply wishes to do his homework, goes on a little adventure seeking virality, and perhaps, an eventual television appearance with his trusted companion, Aashiq. While maintaining a lighthearted tone, marked by the humor generated at the expense of all the characters that find themselves at the unwitting mercy of two little boys determined to take on the world, the film also presents a subtle, but unmissable suggestion of darkness. 

Alcoholism, abuse, dire financial straits - the narrative invokes them all, and yet, never allows itself to be bogged down by any of them. Even though the writing seems to lose some of its tautness as the plot nears conclusion, the storytelling remains original and notable, becoming a standout characteristic of the film.

Chimta | Short Film Nominee

The short film invokes emotions of kindness, innocence and the far-reaching impact of a simple act born out of affection and warmth. It also draws parallels between the privileged and those who are less fortunate. The story is short and concise and spans the duration of a single event one afternoon. As kids gather to play with colours (perhaps on Holi) and their water guns, there is another reality unfolding not far from them that locates itself on the other end of the spectrum. However, when the two overlap, what endearing turn will the narrative take?

Berangi | Short Film of the Day

‘The Ant Theory’ is a joyful narrative about a little boy, Alexi whose worst fears come alive when he entraps an ant who dared to take a bite from his cookie. However, as soon as his father points out to him that once released, the ant, along with his family, might return to avenge his entrapment, all hell lets loose for the hapless protagonist. 

The ensuing result is an innocent, lighthearted story, which is sometimes also sprinkled with moments of tension. Young Alexi moves from one foiled attempt to another to protect himself in the face of imminent danger. What would, at last, be the fate of his nemesis’ revenge as well as that of Alexi himself?

The Ant Theory | Short Film Nominee

A little boy scout has found himself in a real fix! His kite has ensconced itself up in a tree, and now he must take upon himself the adventure of fetching it; and once the fetching has been accomplished, to finally allow himself back on his feet on the ground. 

The short film is an endearing glimpse into this one very eventful afternoon in the life of an even more endearing protagonist. Like a feline creature, not devoid of his tricks and training as a scout, he finds himself at a spot low enough to climb, but high enough to daunt his spirits on the way down. The narrative captures all of this in a lovely manner, allowing the film to succeed in its simplicity. It is further coupled with a complementary background score, a notable edit and an efficient employment of its young cast, all of which ensure a smooth final result of the film.

Jump! | Short Film Nominee

It is a quiet winter morning filled only with a boy reciting the Indian pledge. Soon he is joined by other children’s voices, all of varying ages and from different households. These voices of innocence then become a significant perspective into the cruelties and darkness of the adult world. 

The film preoccupies itself with domestic violence within marriage where both men and women are at the receiving end. The decision to explore the issue through the simple and straightforward point of view of children remains the most notable aspect of the film.

I Pledge | Short Film Nominee

Through a story narrated by its only character, the film becomes a comment on the patterns that our thoughts often involuntarily fall into. As a woman sits before a camera, recording an account about the daughter of her driver, the plot attempts an insight into the annals of the human mind. Her surprise mingles with that of the viewer as the narrative achieves completion, leaving them with the question Bindiya had set out to raise from the start. Simple in its approach, the idea behind the story and the plot deserves mention for the uniqueness that it endeavours, while also offering its views and opinions on our internal conditioning and mental makeup.

Bindiya | Short Film Nominee

Marked by a complete absence of dialogues, the plot only uses gestures, glances and facial exchanges to share its story with you. Once the opening shots have established the insides of a local grocery store, we are introduced to the shopkeeper who sits by himself, enjoying his music. Soon a little boy visits with an order of a kilogram of sugar. The film henceforth starts a conversation on the innocence of an unsuspecting child which is in direct contrast with the dishonest intentions of the adults who inhabit his world. However, despite being convinced that he has managed to trick the little boy and successfully cut corners from the order, what unexpected turn, that would also hold a mirror to this unfair act, awaits the seller?

The Ant and the Sugar | Short Film Nominee

A little boy, Arav, is on a quest to get his mixie fixed. He refuses to opt for any of the newer, sleeker, quieter models, and is very clear about getting this particular appliance repaired instead of buying a new one. 

Arav is mischievous, playful and hardly without a smile. He also has little concern for the money he may have to spend, as long as someone is simply willing to fix the contraption. It is precisely because of this portrayal of innocence that when the final revelation of the plot arrives, it truly leaves the viewer disconcerted. The film’s most notable characteristic is its storytelling which allows the plot a complete beginning, middle and end.

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