The story is of a saleswoman visiting three different houses to convince three potential customers to try her Mamta Tonic. She is giggly, chatty and determined to sell her product. The narrative of the film is skilfully written and achieved with the protagonist moulded in an artful manner. However, a dark twist awaits this seemingly mundane activity of door-to-door retail. The unpredictable plot further accentuates the intelligence of Mamta Tonic, bound to leave the viewer shook in their seat.

Mamta Tonic | Short Film of the Day

The short film takes us into the life of Snehal,a young boy trying to survive in a world that expects him to adjust at every step. From his name to his clothes to his house - everything becomes a matter of adjustment. As the protagonist moves from one aspect of his life to another, will he find an escape from this web of constant compromises? Perhaps the answer lies in a plate of khichdi when he asked for biryani instead. Why We Love Adjusting is beautifully shot, written and structured with endearing performances and an effervescent voice-over. It's exactly the kind of wholesome content you need on a rainy day.

Why We Love Adjusting | Short Film of the Day

The short film is beautifully inspired by Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis in which the protagonist wakes up to find himself transformed into a cockroach. Borrowing the same metaphor, it attempts to show how humans are no less than insects in an arbitrary, murky world of poverty, chronic diseases and the constant struggle to survive. The colour palette of the visuals is of dirty greens, browns and greys, to further invoke a sense of filthiness associated with insects, or humans who are not rendered any more valuable than them in a society where a father and his son fight with the latter's oral cancer. Amidst these hues of dirt and filth, the red scarf of the boy stands out. It perhaps serves to draw the viewer's attention to how he comes to be the only voice of hope in the narrative. However, this voice is soon snuffed out since a bright crimson has no place amidst illness and pain, a folly that will be realised immediately, but not soon enough.

Metamorphosis  | Short Film of the Day

Dry Day is a modern take on frail father-son relationships, and how little gestures can go a long way in mending them. Shashank Arora and Shishir Sharma are both brilliant as the loner young son and the awkward sweet father respectively. This short film will surely leave you with a smile.

Dry Day | Short Film of the Day

Some of the most beautiful stories are the saddest and the short film goes ahead to prove that. School Bag, as the name suggests, revolves around one inane object that a seven-year-old child dearly desires as a birthday gift. Of course his loving mother would try to ensure that he is the happiest boy on his birthday. However, at the heart of this unadulterated happiness, lies a deeply moving tragedy. Based on true events, the Peshawar school massacre that took place on 16th December 2014, the short film touches the right chord with the viewer without even remotely falling prey to sentimentalism. One of the major reasons for this is the effortlessly convincing performance by Rasika Dugal as a young mother, busying herself for her son's birthday preparations. The film also portrays that the victims of mindless violence and terrorism are not simply confined to a community, nationality or age group, and that pain cuts the same gash universally.

The School Bag | Short Film of the Day

Cheers is a lot about covering distances, between alcoholism and being a teetotalism, conflict and reconciliation, running away and finding your way back. The short film portrays this with Ali Faizal and Anju Mahendru as the most convincing mother-son duo. The narrative is engaging and elegant and it has skilled cinematography and writing to thank for it. Add to it just the right amount of music and voila! You have a satisfying and wholesome piece of art on your hands.

Cheers | Short Film of the Day

The series is about the (mis)adventures of Abhinav and his father. The struggle of the duo to get the other one to agree to their way of life is endearing and authentically written. The well-structured script of the series manages to generate humour as well as encapsulate the dynamics of a father-son pair in a small town effortlessly well.

TSP’s Baap Baap Hota Hai | The Screen Patti

Baap Baap Hota Hai | The Screen Patti

‘Ayak’’s world is constructed with a controlled, and steady hand, taking the viewer into the story gradually, but irrevocably. The sustained pace ensures that even though the dialogue in the film is frugal, you are deeply invested in the fate of the protagonist. Manu has arrived at the Forest of Chithari to perform an age-old ritual that takes place every twenty years. 

The forest is not only the abode of innumerable secrets and unsaid things, but also of forces far beyond Manu’s comprehension. The story that began in ancient Egypt, is about to come to fruition with his arrival for the ritual. Ayak, or the potion that unites one with the gods, is soon presented to him in the most unlikely circumstances. 

As the events unfold, the film puts forth a narrative that is quiet, but stern. It employs no sudden thrills or jump scares to unsettle the viewer, and still ensures that it remains disconcerting throughout. The visuals of the vast expanses enhance it manifold, as do the smooth edit and the screenplay. The seamless weaving of all of these elements allows 'Ayak' to become a beautiful final result that is not simply defined by mystery or thrill, but also by an element of fantasy and something terrible awaiting right around the corner.

Ayak | Short Film of the Year

Starring the brilliant Saqib Saleem, Aamad is a poignant little film that is sure to tug at your heartstrings. It is amazing how it touches upon various themes in such a short time - inheritance, loss and frail societal notions of masculinity.

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