Two boys are about to do a strip of a hard drug, being little to completely unprepared for what is to come. Parallel to this is another scene, a heated argument unfolding between the parents of the protagonist who are deeply unhappy with their son. The bitterness and resentment continue to build on both sides, exacerbated by drugs, until the film crescendos into a point of no return. The true strength of the narrative lies in the manner in which the screenplay is constructed to portray the swiftly unraveling state of intoxication. The edit, musical choices as well performances, all supplement it in the most fitting manner (notwithstanding a few rough edges in sound dubbing). The final result maintains its tautness and energy throughout, constructing a narrative that both engages and entertains.

Pash | Spotlight

Soon after Om and Amit experiment with DMT, the chaotic, disorienting ride of ‘Into the Mind’ (a play on the phrase about entering a suggested wilderness?) begins. A clandestine ritual with a shaman is coupled with the drug that soon leaves the two men losing a hold on their sanity. Their tryst begins with heady ideas of spirituality, otherworldly creatures, a pursuit of the meaning of existence, with death being a constant thematic concern throughout. The film’s strongest aspect is its storytelling, and the visual experiments it adopts to portray it. It would have been interesting to see different choices for the background score, especially in the second half when it becomes reminiscent of a very iconic television series, perhaps potentially taking away a little from all that the film has to offer in its own uniqueness and individuality. On the whole, nevertheless, the end result remains earnest, dedicated and deeply engaging for the viewer.

Into the Mind | Short Film Nominee

The isolation that has entered and ensconced itself in our lives following the coronavirus lockdown is a disturbing, but also an undeniable aspect of our lived reality. In the case of those already struggling with mental health issues or showing any signs of substance abuse, the quarantine and lockdown is capable of wreaking immense havoc. The short film attempts to draw attention to the same issue, thereby reminding the viewer to remember to stretch an offer of help where necessary, and be mindful of each others' individual struggles.

Window of the Soul | Lockdown Film Challenge

A moment in time, a call for help that doesn't arrive, and a single man’s battle against delinquency and the seedy world of crime - it is in these elements that the film is presented to the viewer. The plot, however, is not simply confined to this single moment, but also stretches to include what preceded it, as well as a gradual establishment of developments that will constitute the action that is to follow. 

The screenplay exhibits investment of thought, along with skill in the performance. It is only a slight dip in the visuals that robs the film of points it otherwise scores in other departments. As the title is pronounced, the story finally concludes with a situation that has only begun to come into existence, thereby leaving one with the promise of a subsequent part.

Delayed | Short Film Nominee

The narrative maps the trajectory of an addict and their relationship with substance abuse. Divided into several chapters, it covers the entire spectrum that includes routine, dependence, use, abuse of the substance and so on. The natural progression of this eventually leads to the realisation of the emptiness of life at the other end of the spectrum. The story further adopts the template of a documentary, bringing in experiences of different characters as well as their account of their interactions with drugs and intoxicants. This is weaved together with the story of the protagonist and his struggles with substance abuse. All of it is tied together in a fictional manner and aims to blur the lines between fiction and non-fiction. The performance shows potential which can be explored further in future projects. Additionally, the film wants to serve as a reminder of what addiction can truly do to a person's life, and leaves the viewer with a fair warning of the extent of damage it is capable of causing.

Vyasani: The Addict | Short Film Nominee

The narrative is an engagement with the evils of substance abuse and the extent to which drug addiction can destroy lives. It attempts to pack thrill, suspense and emotional strain within it's short duration of less than twenty minutes. There are also surprises and shocks waiting for the viewer at different turns of the film. The story begins when a man wakes up after a night of all kinds of drug consumption, but primarily of something called Swad. Soon he discovers his flatmate's lifeless body smeared with blood and things start falling flat like a stack of dominoes. The story, the strongest element of the film, aims to confuse the viewer as well as conjure an atmosphere of tension that stays throughout. It also blurs the lines between dreams and reality, further befuddling you about the truth of events that unfold on screen. It manages to convey its message of warning the audience about the adverse and ill-consequences of substance use. A little more time on the edit table, however, would have allowed it to communicate this message better.

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