Gustaakh is a story of rebellion, a lone ranger raising his voice against the mighty system. The narrative in itself is not unique, but the manner this music video adopts to develop it indeed is. The video is a comment on several issues plaguing contemporary society - from infestation of technology in our lives to death of individual thought, from a regime trying to control every aspect of its people's lives, to a complete destruction of the environment in the name of progress and the mute acceptance of an entire people refusing to see beyond their shackles. Set against the powerful vocals of The Local Train, it's also a falling away from the kind of visuals and much of the music they have worked on so far. It marks a transition from mellow, soft rock, to a harder, more punk form of the genre. The video seems to be the first of its kind in several ways in the Indian music circuit, with a slight hark back to another video, one by Imagine Dragons which too draws upon the colour red and the image of a teddy bear trying to fight tyranny.

Gustaakh | Short Film of the Day

The music video stands out significantly for the effort and sincerity it ropes in to brings its vision to life. The endeavor presents to us a passionate protagonist who is immensely aware of the many flaws and evils of society, and its inherent systems and institutions. 

Through a voice that will not be silenced, he questions them, and ensures that he raises a furore that draws in more and more voices within its fold. As his ideology resounds with supporters, those who are also languishing under the overpowering, overwhelming system, he finds himself getting louder and louder... until, the iron-clasp of the custodians of power tightens again. 

From a solitary, marginalized voice, which is perhaps even dismissed as the ramblings of a mad man, to invincible leadership located at the heart of a community - the music video covers the entire distance. At the same time, the journey remains equipped with music and energized choreographed performances all along.

Secret Acts of the Dark | Short Film Nominee

The short film attempts a poetic exploration of dissent, subversion and marginalisation. Through the story of a college student who finds himself befriending an old librarian, Autumn Leaf introduces the viewer to the fight of minorities in a space which allows little space for differing opinions. Albeit in need of some polishing and refinement, it employs some interesting camera angles to enable the narrative to touch upon several aspects of the same issue. The writing is wonderfully done, and is translated on screen expertly by Prakash Belawadi. Lastly, it leaves the audience with a sense of hope that though things may seem bleak, sometimes a spark is all that's needed to start an inferno.

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