The film opens on the fifty-seventh day of the Covid-19 lockdown where people, especially our protagonist, Rudra, are battling all kinds of loneliness and isolation. His friend, Bandu, on the other hand, has his hands full with women he interacts with on dating apps, and thus, he holds back no stops in extolling the latter. 

At the same time, the pressure to get married is increasing in intensity for Rudra from his mother. All of these factors, along with the stressors of living by himself, and the advice of a supremely enthusiastic Bandu, lead to Rudra reluctantly joining a dating app. 

On his first day, the most unexpected thing happens. He stumbles across a profile of a woman called Amira, who immediately catches his fancy. Soon, an effervescent, innocent romance develops between the two. As a seamless background score nestles itself within the visuals, a sweet love story is presented to the viewer. The performances bring to life a dedication in the portrayal of the characters that further aid the storytelling and screenplay. However, despite the joys of new love, another emotion is swirling alongside it - Rudra’s doubts about the very identity of Amira. 

The short film explores all of these emotions while staying true to the idea echoed in its title - sincerity. Albeit not without some cultural and linguistic liberties that the narrative takes, the story remains honest and heartfelt.

Ikhlaas | Short Film Nominee

Vihan, a successful business magnate, has chosen to book a shared cab to take some time off from his regular life of luxury. Little does he know that he is about to chance upon a stranger, Sandini, who will completely change the course of his day. 

As soon as Sandini sits in the car, an instant chemistry sparks between them, leading the two to be involved in a fun, lighthearted conversation with each other. This also comes to determine the tone of the rest of the narrative, which further employs music, songs and a constant banter between its characters. From restaurants and rooftops to streetside chaat vendors, their day consists of it all, taking the viewer along throughout. The music and visuals further offer a notably complementary coupling. The actors, though showing a little want of nuance and subtlety in their characters, render perhaps the perfect performance for their target audience. 

Supported by all of these components the story continues to develop. However, amidst the ease, joy and the thrilling excitement of a new romance, a disturbing revelation awaits the viewer. How will it come to affect the fate of Vihan and Sandini?

Woh Khaas | Short Film Nominee

Anything can be the start of something new, and sometimes it can be an object as inane and insignificant as a pencil. As the title suggests, it is this precise object that the plot pivots on. A woman is enjoying a run all by herself one bright morning in a park when she comes across a familiar face. However, the twist in this sweet, lighthearted story is that the face is only familiar to her, not the other way round. She remains playfully persistent throughout the conversation, and eventually leaves when there is little chance of any progress. It is at this juncture that things take an unexpected turn, but where could they be potentially headed for our two characters?

Pencil | Short Film Nominee

SHORTED

The film introduces us to four characters - Kaira, Kabir, Ishaan, and Aisha. All of them battle their own individual struggles and past baggage, and yet, their paths overlap in the most inadvertent ways, thereby pronouncing the title of the film. 

At the same time, there is a more literal image of a road and a terrible mishap that occurs on it which remains a central component of the narrative. A road accident leads to tragedies that have far-reaching effects on the life of each of the four characters. Anger issues, a nervous breakdown, overwhelming grief, and guilt - all become indispensable forces that thrust the plot into action. 

The short film offers a zealous effort to interweave the four lives and their many emotional complexities. There is a further attempt to rope in elements of a rom-com and earnest drama to complete the film. Though the narrative becomes a little loose in some parts, perhaps showing the want of tighter control, it manages to entertain the viewer throughout. Sometimes by amusing them, other times by making them reflect on the human condition, it keeps them involved in the fate of the characters and the inevitable outcome their stories are headed towards.

Crossroads | Short Film Nominee

The film takes a sweet, endearing take on our locked down reality and serves as a welcome break, away from a pandemic-ridden world. This is a story of two potential lovers who interact with each other from their respective balconies, using only songs and music. The entirety of the drama unfolds with effervescence and enthusiasm, leaving a smile on the viewer's face at the end of it all.

Pyar Ki Khidki | Lockdown Film Challenge

The film is a funny story that recounts a boy's, Aniket, relationship with his smartphone as everyone gets confined indoors. From playing video games with his friends to enjoying the music they share with him to discussing the day-to-day with each other, all of it unfolds on the phone. One day, however, in the form of a pleasant surprise, a girl reaches out to him with the intention of friendship. Thus begins the narrative of our protagonist falling in love with Vidisha. As he awaits for the day to finally propose to her, an unusual development lurks right around the corner that will not only communicate the film's core message to the viewer, but also alter Aniket's romantic equation in a lasting manner.

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