Samskara translates to 'impressions' - something around which the whole narrative of the film would come to pivot. The visuals make the most skilled use of hand-hold shots and dimly lit frames to build up the tension and suspense of the characters. The viewer is able to participate in it, owing to the manner in which they are weaved. The narrative also makes an expert use of parallel narratives. The reason it works visually and manages to drive its point home most convincingly is because of the seamless editing. The film is an exploration of the extent of the effect of abuse and how entrapping childhood trauma can be. The exploration also justifies the title - the cyclical nature of life, constituted by an external repeat of internal impressions.

Samskara | Namit Das

Shades of a Kite brings to the screen a powerful narrative about a haunted house and the manner in which it comes to threaten the safety of a family that has recently moved there. Anna, a single mother, shifts to a house in a new city with her three-year-old daughter who also happens to be a mute. The film unfolds to reveal a sense of deep disconcertment which is achieved with dimly lit visuals marked by their deliberate instability to disorient the viewer. The handheld shots when combined with the greys on screen produce an unease, and the invocation of this very sentiment allows the film to be successful in its endeavour to be a horror story. In terms of thought, the plot draws attention to differing ideas that conform to science and spirituality, the question of the supernatural in the logical world of mental health experts. All of this is further enhanced by beautiful animation that add a new dimension to the story. When coupled with notable graphics and convincing performances, the film indeed becomes a successful product as well as an enjoyable viewing experience for all horror aficionados.

Shades of a Kite | Short Film Nominee

The story is of a saleswoman visiting three different houses to convince three potential customers to try her Mamta Tonic. She is giggly, chatty and determined to sell her product. The narrative of the film is skilfully written and achieved with the protagonist moulded in an artful manner. However, a dark twist awaits this seemingly mundane activity of door-to-door retail. The unpredictable plot further accentuates the intelligence of Mamta Tonic, bound to leave the viewer shook in their seat.

Mamta Tonic | Short Film of the Day

Some short films are so wonderfully made that you know they will stay with you for a long time. Chotti, with its beautiful exploration of a mother-daughter relationship, is a perfect example of that. Written and directed by Akansha Seda, this Culture Machine production stars Lillete Dubey, Ira Dubey and Sarah Hashmi. Strong performances, skilled cinematography, soulful storytelling and brilliant writing of the narrative come together to portray how dynamic, fiery and endearing a mother-daughter equation can be. Watch very closely because you don't want to miss any part of this lovely story and the sophisticated manner in which all of it ties up very neatly at the end.

Chotti | Short Film of the Day

Methi Ke Laddoo is a story of two sisters who are polar opposites of each other, and how sometimes jealousy can creep in over issues that are totally not in our hand. But thank god for Indian mothers, who have dish for every occasion and a solution to every problem. Watch this light hearted drama now.

Methi Ke Laddoo | Short Film of the Day

Starring Pankaj Tripathi, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Svar Kamble, the short film handles its narrative in the most nuanced manner. As a wife struggles to convince her husband to teach her to drive their new scooter, a conversation around gender is invoked. She cannot drive the scooter because she does not know how to ride a bicycle. She does not know how to ride a bicycle because no one bothered to teach her. Her desire was either ignored or dismissed by others in a manner similar to her husband's reaction right now. When she asks her son for help, he feels embarrassed to do so before a group of his peers. L maturely handles a woman's attempt to learn something new, even in the face of isolation by her own family. It draws attention to how a woman's desire to learn implies inviting a huge challenge upon herself. With little help from even those she loves, this Amit V Masurkar short film leaves the viewer with a strong message about gender in general and mothers in particular.

L | Short Film of the Day

The short film is funny, endearing and moving in equal measure. A teenaged girl gets her first period. While her mother, a gynaecologist, is at work, the only other adult at home is her father. His unpreparedness, but willingness to help, the girl's initial inability to understand what's going on and the mother's successful attempts of normalising menstruation - all fit in the narrative most smoothly. There is a little coming-of-age present hidden away by her mother at home that helps her get past it all, and finally manage to smile. The father, after educating himself using the good, old internet, is also ready with a hot water bottle and a chocolate dessert. In a country like India, where a majority of mothers consider periods 'dirty' and fathers choose to remain unaware, Her First Time carries a relevant message - to accept menstruation as a normal, biological process.

Her First Time | Short Film of the Day

While becoming a mother might be hailed as a miracle of nature, glorified in the most bombastic terms, what lies underneath is a huge, huge challenge for women. Your Second Home draws attention to this lesser talked about aspect of pregnancy. A woman's body undergoes tremendous change during the process. Forget normalisation, there isn't even awareness about the same. The short film attempts to change the same and succeeds gracefully. The taut plot further enhances the outcome of this effort and leaves the viewer better informed about this demanding stage, emotionally and physically, in a woman's life.

Your Second Home | Short Film of the Day

Some of the most beautiful stories are the saddest and the short film goes ahead to prove that. School Bag, as the name suggests, revolves around one inane object that a seven-year-old child dearly desires as a birthday gift. Of course his loving mother would try to ensure that he is the happiest boy on his birthday. However, at the heart of this unadulterated happiness, lies a deeply moving tragedy. Based on true events, the Peshawar school massacre that took place on 16th December 2014, the short film touches the right chord with the viewer without even remotely falling prey to sentimentalism. One of the major reasons for this is the effortlessly convincing performance by Rasika Dugal as a young mother, busying herself for her son's birthday preparations. The film also portrays that the victims of mindless violence and terrorism are not simply confined to a community, nationality or age group, and that pain cuts the same gash universally.

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