Diwali is around the corner, the fairy lights and gift packs that have cropped up on the streets and in stores (not necessarily in that order) are more than just subtle reminders of it. But as pollution levels soar, infants and elders struggle to breathe and cats and dogs scamper to hide from the noise, will you do your bit to make this Diwali a little more cheerful and bright for someone? Here's a short ad film in case you're looking for ideas. 

#ShorYaSangeet | Short Film of the Day

The Aparshakti Khurana-starrer is about the story of a man trying to get rid of a dog named Nawab left in the wake of his failed marriage. As the protagonist struggles with his divorce after being married for four years, his wife makes it clear that Nawab will be his responsibility. From dog shelters to just plain abandonment in the middle of the road, the story moves from one point to another, taking the viewer deeper into a hilarious and endearing narrative about loss and grief. It also boasts of an understated, yet powerful character execution by Mallika Dua, a commendable and hard to achieve combination. A special treat for animal lovers, the film is supplemented with important lessons on life, pain and companionship, along with a strong performance by Khurana.

Nawab | Aparshakti Khurana, Mallika Dua, Maria Goretti | Large Short Films

The short film is a wonderful exploration of the last day of a broken up couple, moving out to go their separate ways. However, amidst all the fight and conflict who will have their claim to the little, white cat Coco? While the two are busy revisiting old fights, still unable to reach a resolution, Coco has plans of her own. The question is would the viewer be able to decide sooner than Coco what her fate should be? The film by MenXP is well-written with sophisticated camerawork, however, a slightly shorter length would have ensured a tautness that would have worked in its favour.

Coco Ki Custody | Short Film of the Day

In its short duration, the film packs several complex emotions, as well as a whole rollercoaster of events. What begins as a quest of finding a lost pet, takes the viewer down, and the protagonist, several unexpected, unknown paths. The journey finally concludes with a shattering realisation of our own failings as a society. Within the folds of the plot also rest important questions about intimacy, affection for our loved ones, the role pets play in familial spaces and finally, animals often leading humans, in all their innocence, to a place where a mirror is held to their negligence and betrayal. Hachiko is replete with all of these aspects of a notable story, and brings in fitting visuals (which could have perhaps benefited from a little stability despite the intended, deliberate candour of hand-held shots) to complete the narrative in an effective manner.

Hachiko | Short Film of the Day

What could be a more heartwarming visual than a young boy, wearing a red cape, playing the guitar in a
fantasy concert in his room? All of the above, topped with a cat! 
It is a delightful video which showcases the boy’s passion for music ever since he was a child. The lyrics
complement his dreams and the hope of making it big some day, along with seeing music as salvation. He paints
a picture of his future rockstar-self and puts it on the wall behind his bed, over the posters of
superheroes. The title is apt too, as we see the boy’s obsession with primarily two beings, his cat and his
guitar. 
The continuous juxtaposition of his past, present, and future solely engrossed in one pursuit in this endearing narrative marked by its sophisticated visuals, are perhaps
a way of foretelling that his commitment will bring his dreams to fruition.

Cat Living In A Guitar | Short Film of the Day

‘Leo’ takes you into its world slowly-steadily. Without employing any dialogue, it introduces us to the daily, mundane life of the protagonist as he moves from one task to another. However, the silence soon becomes oppressive enough to suggest a sense of melancholy shaping all his actions. The story eventually becomes one of loss, grief and the fond remembrance of a friend who is no longer present. Despite its limited resources, the film reveals efficient utilization of the same, along with shot composition that shows investment of thought. On the whole, the narrative becomes a quiet, heartfelt conversation on heartache, longing, and the eventual moving on.

Leo | Short Film Nominee

Deliberately disturbing, and having a lot of fun while at it, ‘Laila’ is an interesting, involving endeavor in storytelling. Further marked by brevity and crispness, it is of just the right length, bringing to life a moment of crisis, followed by a sudden change in the personality of the protagonist, Anav. As Akshay, his friend, investigates the reasons behind this shift in his demeanor, the story comes into being, the story of a missing cat, Laila. Though a limitation of resources lingers within the overall production, the end result is marked by a fresh tonality and approach. Perhaps future, longer projects can also be experimented with, employing the same voice and vision.

Laila | Short Film Nominee

The crisp and concise narrative of the film is constituted simply by different visuals of an endearing dog. The visuals are further supplemented by mood lighting, the shadows used in an attempt to artistically focus on tight shots of the animal. This is tied up together by a soft background score, perhaps to complete the film with a ribbon on top.

The "Canis" | Lockdown Film Challenge

There is perhaps hardly any other animal or being that can exhibit the same selfless devotion towards their best friend as that of a dog. From waiting for their special human every day to return to the house, to never finding lasting peace without their presence, a dog's love is complete with it all. The short film portrays the same relationship between Bruno and his master, until one day, when their endearing story takes an unexpectedly dark turn.

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