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. 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 opens with the invocation of one of the most iconic crime films of all time, Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs. This is a very brave decision on the part of the filmmaker, to remind the viewer of a product of this category before they have even begin to participate with the story at hand. The horizon of expectation that has been put in place so far takes the audience into a robbery and the hullabaloo that has followed in its wake. The narrative ropes in double-crossing, betrayals, loyalty and a group of robbers that is fraught with selfish motives and convoluted schemes. There is a notable attempt by the filmmaker to maintain its tight pace, as is a dedication to performance by the cast. However, as all plans, that had been meticulously decided, continue to fall flat like domino chips, what will truly be the fate of the characters?

Mogham | Short Film Nominee

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. 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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