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

A newly-married bride wakes up on the morning after her wedding and finds herself bored (and perhaps a little curious). While her husband continues to sleep next to her, she gets to killing time on her own. From unwrapping disappointing presents to being a performer in make-belief situations, she spends the morning executing all kind of acrobatics (both mental and physical). A grim statue of a bat immediately after seeing her mother-in-law is one of the many fun and quirky touches that have been given to the video which experiments with its camera angles, shots and pacing of the visuals. They are further supplemented by singer Ritviz's latest offering, but you will pay attention to the vocals only the second time around. This does not even remotely suggest that the music and the song is any less expertly done, but instead that the video is crafted skilfully enough to triumph over all other elements.

Ritviz - Liggi | Official Music Video

The short film is a fresh and endearingly humorous take on the sex life of a middle aged couple, played beautifully by Neena Gupta and Jackie Shroff. Along with the convincing performance and chemistry of its two protagonists, the film also has wonderful writing and effortless comedy timing. When Girdharilal stumbles across a pair of handcuffs in his son's room, it triggers an entire conversation on BDSM and kinky sexual preferences between him and his wife. Roopmati, who has recently read Fifty Shades of Grey, has lots to say on the topic to enlighten her husband. As the two attempt to rekindle their sex life and one interruption (read: mishap) follows another, how will the night eventually unfold?

Khujli | Jackie Shroff, Neena Gupta | 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

If spookiness gives you chills, this short film starring Nimrat Kaur and Divyendu Sharma, is not for you. It opens with Kaur getting startled by the sudden presence of her husband, played by Sharma. As the narrative progresses, the viewer realises that Sharma is a ghost, unable to let go of his wife even after his death. His struggle with loneliness also leads him to attempt to bump himself off (once again), but predictably, he fails every time. While the ghost follows his wife around, along with a fossilised bird, Elayichi maintains a good balance between eeriness and lightheartedness. Director Devashish Makhija earns a special mention for portraying the presence of a ghost in a woman's life as a tiresome, but mundane reality.

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