The world of 'Sinthri' is intended to mislead the viewer with its apparent frivolity at first glance. However the story it eventually wants to tell is much darker and violent. The moment the crux of the plot arrives, there is no looking away. 

A herder has allowed one of the animals to wander away too far. Now, his employer’s son has taken it upon himself to find the missing animal, or run into immense trouble with his father. The simple act of looking for Sinthri, the buffalo, takes him down a shocking path. 

Though the film could have been tighter, it remains intriguing throughout. It offers a zealous endeavor in constructing this world, complete with its sinister and malicious elements, in the process, leaving the viewer with a disturbing world of rituals, sacrifices and a seemingly regular day gone terribly wrong for the protagonist.

Sinthri | Short Film Nominee

‘Drink’ is an interesting attempt at storytelling. It employs no dialogue, and paints its world for you simply by way of visuals. Starting off in the dead of the night that soon gives way to dawn, the narrative introduces us to a girl. During the day, she is busy with taking care of the many chores and animals on a farm. However, come sundown and we see a whole new aspect to her personality. She dresses up, leaves behind the life we have seen so far, and heads out for a date. 

While the circumstance in itself can still be chalked off as a fairly regular one, it soon comes to be defined by something more sinister. The presence of red in the visuals hints at mischief being afoot. Pagan rituals and strange, horrifying acts enter the story quietly. Intrigue thus ensconces itself in the final result, even if it remains marked by a limitation of resources.

Drink | Short Film Nominee

The film begins with a sweet, friendly protagonist offering a glass of water to everyone and anyone who arrives at his doorstep. As the day progresses, a number of delivery agents knock at his door and he receives them with the same genial smile and an offer of water from the filter kept next to it. It isn't until later, when darkness prevails in the sky, that the viewer realizes his sinister motives. The title finds its origin perhaps in the Kala Paani or Cellular Jail known for its brutality and gore during British Rule in India. The final product, however, could have gained from a little more lucidity in the translation of the narrative on screen.

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