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 story is of an Arjun and an Indra, of magical stones and a disappeared boy. Add to it Radhika Apte in one of her most alluring avatars as a convincing coquette, and the short film is bound to catch your attention. The setting is the house of an artist somewhere in West Bengal. One afternoon a police officer visits him regarding the disappearance of a boy called Arjun who was last known to have met him. The mystery of the missing boy which is introduced to the viewer is taut with the sexual tension between the police officer and the young wife of his ageing host. The plot is the overarching force that drives this film, a modern day take on the myth of Ahalya in which the power structures have been reversed. Further, the narrative is weaved most seamlessly by skilled performances of its three actors.

Ahalya | Short Film of the Day

‘Ayak’’s world is constructed with a controlled, and steady hand, taking the viewer into the story gradually, but irrevocably. The sustained pace ensures that even though the dialogue in the film is frugal, you are deeply invested in the fate of the protagonist. Manu has arrived at the Forest of Chithari to perform an age-old ritual that takes place every twenty years. 

The forest is not only the abode of innumerable secrets and unsaid things, but also of forces far beyond Manu’s comprehension. The story that began in ancient Egypt, is about to come to fruition with his arrival for the ritual. Ayak, or the potion that unites one with the gods, is soon presented to him in the most unlikely circumstances. 

As the events unfold, the film puts forth a narrative that is quiet, but stern. It employs no sudden thrills or jump scares to unsettle the viewer, and still ensures that it remains disconcerting throughout. The visuals of the vast expanses enhance it manifold, as do the smooth edit and the screenplay. The seamless weaving of all of these elements allows 'Ayak' to become a beautiful final result that is not simply defined by mystery or thrill, but also by an element of fantasy and something terrible awaiting right around the corner.

Ayak | Short Film of the Year

The short film is engaging and disturbing in equal measure. It does a great job of building up the tension. Wide-frames, hand-held shots and soft focus are used efficiently to conceal details from the viewer, which serve to increase the discomfort manifold, crucial to this narrative of an old woman's missing son. The plot is unexpected until the climax which becomes the first instance in the movie when the viewer begins to get ahead of it, drawing their own deductions. However, they are left debunked as the film progresses, leaving the viewer grasping at straws until the final reveal. Lost and Hound is an interesting take on mother-son relationships and what loneliness could potentially do to someone. It also earns full points for keeping the viewer involved with its skilled execution of the story.

Lost and Hound | Short Film of the Day

The film is sure to catch the viewer's attention in the most unexpected manner. It opens with a scene of an old man waking up and answering his door over a course of time, meeting different strangers. By his own admission, his memory is failing which is why he must click their picture and add it to his board with their name under it. One day, however, a young girl goes missing. She happens to be the daughter of someone important which is precisely why her absence matters, unlike that of so many innumerable missing people who were not significant enough to be looked for. The film too highlights this aspect, but does not dwell on it for too long because soon after awaits a more shocking revelation. Along with a strong story, the film also exhibits elegant camerawork and notable performances.

The Last Photograph | Short Film of the Day

The short film opens with a woman at a bar, drinking to get over her cheating boyfriend. She soon meets a handsome stranger, played by Sudhanshu Pandey. The Bar progresses to reveal how the protagonist likes to hang out at bars, meeting young women. He's got it all figured out, the formula works every time. Women come and go and that is the end of the story. However, not this time, not when there is a truth that is waiting to be unearthed. As he approaches yet another unsuspecting woman at a bar, a ghost from the past lurks at the door. This offering by Aneeta Patel attempts to weave a mysterious narrative and keeps the audience guessing till the very end. But will the short film provide all the answers? Watch to find out.

The Bar | Short Film of the Day

A taxi driver is just about to call it a day when a visibly shaken man comes and sits in his vehicle. Reluctantly, the driver decides to take him to his destination as his last ride for the night. As the story unfolds, the viewer realises that both men have their own darkness to share with each other. Aakhri Sawari, a film by Divyajot Singh, attempts to delve into the twisted notions of love, possessiveness and jealousy. The narrative uses these emotions as tools to create an atmosphere of mystery that will keep the viewer involved till the very end.

Aakhri Sawari | Short Film of the Day

A secluded bungalow in the suburbs, surrounded by tall, leafy trees and a courtyard, along with a well in the front, is home to a small family of three. The brother, an aspiring actor, gets a casting call from a contact and decides to leave for the shoot. Despite clear instructions from his mother who is away for work, he leaves the sister behind, alone in the house. 
Soon after, the weather turns dark and light rain begins to pour. The sister who needs a hearing aid is playing with her doll when it accidentally falls out of the grilled window. A large, bloody hand, an unfortunate timing and a dirty doll - all of these images are invoked to instil horror and the fear of an uncertain fate of the characters. As matters come to a head, what eventually remains are a series of mishaps at the expense of a few innocent souls, and a terribly dark secret waiting to be revealed.

Agaadham | Short Film Nominee

The film manages to conjure and maintain a suspenseful environment right from the beginning. Consequently, what could have otherwise been an inane conversation between a salesman and an annoyed potential customer gains a new meaning. As the story develops, it takes the viewer deeper with its exploration of the power of the human mind and the infinite control that resides within us all. All that the salesman is selling is a trick, one that allows you to solve whatever problem you are struggling with. He is deductive and is able to gauge the need and profession of his customer. However, can the trick truly help the latter?

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