In the face of all misogyny, sexism, classicism and women themselves participating in patriarchal oppression, it's a glass of juice which will become an agent of protest. The short film is the story of one evening and how that in itself is sufficient to delineate the normalisation of women's marginalisation. However, one day, when a woman decides to stand up and question it, will she be allowed the space to do so? Juice is a wholesome and skilful product which questions the grossly imbalanced gender equations. Shouldered by the most stellar performance by Shefali Shah, the film is undisputedly a very relevant, subtle and poignant piece of art on gender.

Juice | Short Film of the Day

Anukul is a story by Satyajit Ray that is enhanced in the most elegant way by Sujoy Ghosh's filmmaking. The narrative is about a school teacher who decides to get a robot one day to take care of his domestic chores. Set in West Bengal, the plot touches upon a concern which is also relevant in contemporary times, one of artificial intelligence making humans redundant. The dim-lighting of the film further helps to invoke a sense of tension and uncertainty about the human fate as well as their conflicted equation with machines. The film is subtle, powerful and, irrespective of the side you find yourself on when it comes to apprehensions about AI, sure to move you.

Anukul | Short Film of the Day

A broker in Delhi is not the first character to come to mind while thinking of a film protagonist, won't you agree? This is one of the many points of uniqueness of Kartaa. It takes the viewer into the struggles and obstacles of a broker as he tries to keep his family afloat. The short film delves into the murky, seedy aspects of society in the most poignant manner. While revealing the extent of its ruthlessness, it further affirms that sometimes there indeed is no ray of light at the end of the tunnel.

Kartaa | Short Film of the Day

Women's accessibility to public spaces is fraught with threats of molestation, street sexual harassment and sometimes even far worse. The film attempts to draw attention to this limited space that is allowed to women, and how the entire society, from family and friends, to colleagues and complete strangers, are implicit in reducing it further. The narrative makes the most skilled use of hand-held shots, tight frames and dim lighting to drive this message home. It's written in a manner that makes the viewer deeply invested in the fear and the anger of the three main characters. As their families tell them to avoid stepping out and confronting their harassers, the women find their strength in each other. However, more than trusting each other, they have to find that strength and trust in themselves. Once they manage to conquer the enemy within, there is little they cannot defeat without, emphasises the film.

That Day After Everyday | Short Film of the Day

A viewer should go to Gadhedo unprepared and unsuspecting and allow themselves to be impressed and entertained by a wonderful short film. The story is of a small village where the local teacher lounges and relaxes at the cost of his pupils' education. As Monday becomes 'Monde' and week becomes 'weak', it is not hard to determine the direction his students are headed in. Add to all this his eccentric, witless landlord, and the drama of the film unfolds in the most unpredictable and engaging manner. The film is unique and refreshing in the style it adopts to tell its story, a folk tale, as it states at the start. It has several moments of brilliance as the viewer tries to pin it down to a genre - comedy, drama, thriller? What happens when a simpleton decides to pay a huge sum to his devious tenant to turn his donkey into a human? The consequences are hilarious, surprising and saddening - all at the same time, allowing Gadhedo to be a skilled and sophisticated piece of art.

Gadhedo | Vikrant Massey | Short Film of the Day

The short film is subtle and calm which is precisely what makes its climax significantly disconcerting for the viewer. The narrative starts off as a regular story of gossip, scandal and infidelity in a small pocket of Delhi. However it progesses unpredictably to catch even the most prepared viewer off guard. Tisca Chopra's performance in the film is a dream, just as strongly supported by Rasika Dugal. The major chunk of Chutney is a conversation between two housewives over a plate of pakodhas. While the audience might be preoccupied with the more obvious narrative of addressing a disloyal husband who has taken fancy to a woman younger than his wife, the dark soul of the film rests peacefully within the recipe the displeased, older, but also the more experienced woman has to share.

Chutney | Short Film of the Day

The short film is sharp, unexpected and embellished by a wonderful performance by Tisca Chopra. It takes the viewer into the all too familiar reality of a long marriage now afflicted by the husband's infidelity. While the children protest and blame their mother of inaction, looks like she has finally made up her mind to take charge. The confrontation scene between the two women is a smoothly scripted crux which is surprising, entertaining and delivers everything that the title of the film promises. With a subtle comment on gender, male entitlement and dual-standards, Chhuri will show you how cheating can often turn out to be a double-edged sword.

Chhuri | Short Film of the Day

The short film is a nuanced and skilful portrayal of how humour can be found even in the most tragic situations. Along with being a subtle but impactful comment on gender, it also shows the struggle of straddling modernity and tradition. Khatoon Ki Khidmat shows a newly-married woman refusing to have sex with her husband until he gets her a television set. The husband, on the other hand, is struggling to get his father to accept his wife and their marriage. As the characters fight it out, the narrative draws attention to familial dynamics and the location of a woman in a patriarchal household. The film is funny, engaging, insightful and a reminder of how the biggest battles of life are waged in the smallest moments.

Khatoon Ki Khidmat | Short Film of the Day

It's the little moments that make up life as well as a good short film. Katran, a glimpse into these seemingly unimportant moments, is the story of an elderly couple which has decided to part ways after three decades of marriage. The chemistry between Piyush Mishra and Alka Amin beautifully captures the conflict and makes it the strongest aspect of the narrative. The protagonists are supported most efficiently by the other characters in the film which make brief, but not any less significant appearances. As the story progresses, it becomes clear to the viewer that separation indeed is the most peaceful and ideal solution for the couple. However is that the path they will also eventually choose to move ahead?

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