The short film is like a delicacy that simmers on a low flame. Play with its intensity too much and you run the risk of overcooking it. On the other hand, find the patience (and the expertise) to let the narrative come to a boil in its own time and the flavours and aromas are infused in the most beautiful manner. This is where the creator succeeds most effortlessly. Along a pretty, hilly road, a man finds himself stuck with a broken down car close to sunset. When a kindly old woman decides to give him shelter for the night, his troubles seem to be nearing their end. However, the narrative, despite appearing to be completely harmless, invokes an eeriness that is bound to disconcert the viewer, and indeed there's a reason for this discomfort at the end of it all.

The Guest | Short Film of the Day

The film exhibits notable skill in the manner in which it utilises limited space to tell its story. With intelligent camerawork and a single member cast and crew, it not only aims for an ambitious product, but also achieves it. Inspired by Bong Joon-ho's acclaimed thriller Parasite, the narrative invokes a reality of suspense, thrill, hidden messages and perhaps a possibility of violence. Once the protagonist finds out that the flickering bulb in his house is more than a loose fuse, there are several unanswered questions he must find the answers to. However, once he finally reaches his destination, would the outcome be a desired one?

Morse | Short Film of the Day

The short film by Vikram Bhatt is the story of four strangers who are forced to take shelter in an abandoned house in the middle of nowhere due to a snow blizzard. It opens with a gory scene of an attack on a boy called Karthik. Before any sense can be made of what's going on, the narrative goes six hours back in time. It continues to oscillate between the past and the present, keeping the viewer on tenterhooks all along. Use of toys in shadows, perhaps reminiscent of the iconic slasher series Saw, is one of the many tools that help add to the eeriness of the setting. As attacks begin on them one by one, perhaps in a desperate attempt to rationalise it, they're immediately chalked down to being caused by a wild animal. Soon after, the question of the supernatural soon enters the narrative. However, how far are they from the truth, and more importantly, is any escape possible even if they manage to figure it out?

Let's Play | Short Film of the Day

The Character takes its time introducing you to its world bit by bit. Time is spent on each detail, be it the meticulous cleaning of a tea-cup, enjoying a rendition of La Vie En Rose, a foreign film, or simply smoking late into the night …until the sustained calm is broken by a disturbing sound. The sole character and protagonist does a notable job of adding to the atmosphere established so far with his performance. 

Once the viewer has been made aware that mischief is truly afoot, they are given a longer glimpse into the world, one where the many complexities of the human mind are allowed articulation. Faring less only in the department of sound, The Character comes across as a devoted story of creativity and darkness, and the manner in which the two can come to be linked with one another, further allowing the fulfillment of its title as well.

The Character | Short Film Nominee

The short film skilfully uses the plot device of a narrative within a narrative to surprise the viewer when they least expect it. Sticking to the genre of thriller, it further catches the viewer unaware with a heightened sense of suspense and anxiety, and the cinematographic transitions are to be thanked for that. While the film is well-written, it falls short of the mark of brilliance, which is also true of its performances as well - good, but not entirely there. Additionally, it does employ the stereotype of a debauched artist, struggling to make a product. It would perhaps be refreshing to see a writer's block with fewer cigarettes and alcohol bottles.

Omni | Short Film of the Day

A man is deeply frustrated during the lockdown. The same dissatisfaction leads to an unpleasant effect on his relationships - be it romantic or those within the familial space. However, there is still no escape from daily chores, which is why he finds himself making his way to a dusty corner of the house where he soon stumbles across something strange. It is at this juncture that the story begins to develop after establishing its premise for you. It further aims to invoke a conversation on the forces of good and evil and the manner in which they influence and shape existence. The film makes efficient use of a limited space and lean cast and crew in the face of the Covid-19 lockdown. Though the final product could have gained from a little more tautness in the narrative to sustain its element of suspense before it wanders off, it still delivers a devoted and notable endeavor of storytelling, and should be appreciated thus.

Negatives | Lockdown Film Challenge

The story of the film locates itself in Mumbai in the early nineties, when the city has been rocked by communal violence between Hindus and Muslims. The opening of Naam Kya Hai?, marked by three petty thieves that have been captured by the police, when tied with its title that is a direct question aimed to ascertain someone's religious identity, immediately puts in motion a sense of unease. The viewer is not wrong in giving in to this discomfort as it is soon revealed that the senior police officer, who is in charge of the situation, has recently lost his wife to this communal hatred, and now finds himself going down the path of revenge. All along, the film keeps adding new layers, and bits of information to further strengthen the sense of suspense gradually making its presence felt in the narrative. It is also marked by skilled performances and an important message located at the core of the story. Additionally, it needs to be lauded for sharing its intentions in an impactful manner, without giving in to sensationalism or fixed, monolithic categories of right and wrong.

Naam Kya Hai? | Short Film Nominee

The film has a strong voice and a very clear idea about how it desires to use it. This lucidity works well in its favour, further enhancing the notable use of a single shot to establish the premise, before moving to the drama until the eventual, decisive moment of high tension arrives. The actors share a sweet chemistry and it's welcoming to hear a conversation marked by the authenticity of a local dialect. It is further interesting to note that, what began as a story of a couple preparing to host a dinner for a guest, soon acquires a dark hue marked by jealousy, insecurities, threat of irreversible damage and a heinous act. Though confined by limitations in terms of resources, the film definitely comes across as a zealous storytelling and filmmaking endeavour, and is thus appreciated for the same.

Mr. & Mrs. | Short Film Nominee

Two young roommates exchange banter in their kitchen as they prepare lunch. The one washing the utensils under a running tap requests his friend to set him up on a date with a common friend. As the discussion about regular life continues, so do the chores of cooking and washing. Tit-bits of friendly taunts get thrown around and the conversation moves forward until one of the taps starts leaking blood. With this strange, disconcerting development, enters a relevant message that further comes to define the core intentions of the film. As a horrified man stands before a crimson tap, questioning the source of the blood, a very important answer awaits him as well as the viewer at the film's conclusion.

Most Viewed

Genres

Awards

Follow Us

Quick Links