The short film is an engagement with ideologies and the manner in which loyalty to them sometimes demands the complete erasure of the individual. Now it should be noted right at the start that the viewer should not go to Kalalpada expecting mainstream North Indian cinema. For the unprepared viewer, the music might be jarring, for instance. However, barring these little details, the film simply serves as a reminder that stories and emotions are indeed universal. <br><br> By focusing on a hyper-localised issue, one of a clash between groups of conflicting political beliefs, the film further draws attention to the powerlessness of an individual who is rendered no more than a cog in the massive state apparatus. As ideologies and friendship become diametrically opposite to each other, the narrative concludes with a disconcerting message - one of the futile loss of life in the name of politics, religion and power structures that have no room for emotions or interpersonal bonds.

Kalalpada | Short Film of the Day

The film has a voice and tonality that invokes the sleekness of a crime fiction with fast-paced action unfolding at breakneck speed. As characters yell out to each other from their hideouts, bloodied and injured, each trying to outdo the other in this game of survival, parts and bits of the story are gradually revealed to the viewer. <br><br> The film exhibits potential in the department of storytelling as the events develop, sometimes even tinged with humour in the unlikeliest ways. Questionable loyalties are invoked as are pleas and last minute negotiation tactics to somehow bring in a sense of security for their lives by the characters, and yet, the violence and bloodbath continues. Amidst this game of flying bullets and hidden enemies at every turn, who would eventually emerge victorious?

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