The film exhibits a dedicated attempt to weave a narrative of mystery and thrill, complete with dim lighting, predominance of a scarlet palette, internal demons of characters, past traumas and unexplained disappearances. Staying true to the genre of a psychological thriller, it adds layers and textures to the story by concealing as much as it reveals. The plot continues to thicken as a police officer and his partner attempt to unravel the mystery of the disappearance of two men after being sighted last at the restaurant of the third pivotal character of the narrative. After that, the film takes you on an intriguing journey that includes mental health struggles of the leading officer, and the manner in which they come to affect the investigation is notable. All of it plays out against the background of a restaurant flourishing in its business of pork chops (and more). However, when the climax and conclusion finally arrive, will the viewer have the stomach for it?

Policeman Special | Short Film of the Day

A man is waiting at a metro platform, looking grim. The scene soon intercuts to a woman, smoking by herself until someone is at the door. Experimental elements combine with thrill to present a heated-up scene between the man and the woman. Questions of fidelity are raised leading to disconcerting developments that eventually reveal a crucial comment. The storytelling is marked by earnestness which is further reflected in the visual progression. The performances are notable, supporting the endeavor all the way. The screenplay, heavy on symbolism, carries within it a very relevant social message, one that is echoed in the title of the film, referring to the female aspect of a man's psychology. As this meaning is realized, the end result comes into its own.

Anima | Short Film Nominee

The human mind is an endless abyss of all kinds of antics we may not entirely comprehend. The tip of the iceberg is one such issue called sleep paralysis which the short film explores. The story is of a couple where the man has been distanced and aloof from his concerned wife. As she goes down the path of helping him, with or without his complete knowledge, there is indeed a disturbingly unexpected development of events awaiting her. The audience too participates in her horror and shock, and therein lies the success of the narrative. The film, however, could have benefited from more polished performances. They would have further allowed it to supplement its story with significant contribution.

Sleep | Short Film Nominee

A man is gearing for a mission. He shares with the viewer his conflicts, dilemmas and purpose, and
attributes them to humanity. He says that it was out of compassion for mankind that he was
inspired to take the path, and clarifies that his aim had nothing to do with organised religion, a
qualification that is highly valued. Bordering on agnosticism, the protagonist still wants to compel the Almighty, if there be one, to give him
the answers he is looking for. Though the man is portrayed as a stalker, it is him the gaze of the film is focused at, as though stalking the stalker himself. It is clear that the act he has planned is one of terror. The rest of the narrative is simply about letting it unfold organically. Marked by skilled camerawork and a notable voiceover, the film is a sincere endeavour to be engaging.

Maqsad | Short Film Nominee

The Soldier in the Trench is an intense film which bears heavily on the viewer from the beginning.
From its colour scheme to the gloomy conversations with a psychoanalyst, the film has
already begun to exhibit the intensity of its thematic concerns from the very first moment. 

The exchange of the two characters may strike a chord with the viewers. The fears, trials and
hopes of the human situation are the same. But few are pushed to the extreme of ending their life.
Akriti’s story is one such. 

The film relies predominantly on these conversations that unfold within a closed room. Here, the narrative doesn’t even allow them to move. While the actors try to transcend their space, and invoke ideas of happiness, pain, mental health and the general state of human existence in the process, the film could have gained from a more dynamic approach to their stationing.

The Soldier in the Trench | Short Film Nominee

The short film is an unexpected narrative of a psychological thriller that is supplemented by a zealous performance of its protagonist. What happens when an old woman stumbles across a diary that is filled with dark secrets of all kinds? The film attempts to pack a punch complete with sadism, violence and a glimpse into the innards of the mind of a psychopath.

Geedad | Lockdown Film Challenge

The short film begins at a grim note - a man has just entered the office of a mental health expert to talk about a strange experience. Hesitant at first, he soon opens up when the doctor ensures him that this is indeed a safe space. The account he shares involves being stuck in a strange house that eventually led him to a time period and era long gone by. The film paces itself out while weaving the tale, attempting to invoke a world that is over three decades old. The protagonist is overwhelmed by the absurdity of it all, and yet feels the desperate need to share it with someone. Further, there is also the attempt to briefly discuss issues of mental health for the uninitiated. After this session and a medication prescription, he hopes this would be the end of his troubles, but would that truly be the case? Additionally, the narrative leaves a few loose ends, whether deliberately or otherwise. It would be interesting to see them tied up in subsequent chapters of the story.

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