A viewer should go to Gadhedo unprepared and unsuspecting and allow themselves to be impressed and entertained by a wonderful short film. The story is of a small village where the local teacher lounges and relaxes at the cost of his pupils' education. As Monday becomes 'Monde' and week becomes 'weak', it is not hard to determine the direction his students are headed in. Add to all this his eccentric, witless landlord, and the drama of the film unfolds in the most unpredictable and engaging manner. The film is unique and refreshing in the style it adopts to tell its story, a folk tale, as it states at the start. It has several moments of brilliance as the viewer tries to pin it down to a genre - comedy, drama, thriller? What happens when a simpleton decides to pay a huge sum to his devious tenant to turn his donkey into a human? The consequences are hilarious, surprising and saddening - all at the same time, allowing Gadhedo to be a skilled and sophisticated piece of art.

Gadhedo | Vikrant Massey | Short Film of the Day

The coronavirus has wreaked havoc on society in several ways, be it financial, or in terms of health. It has completely shattered our notions of normalcy or what was once considered normative in terms of how we interacted with our professional and personal life. This has been caused by the complete blurring of the lines between the home and the world, and the documentary film is an engagement with the same thought. 

As the name suggests, it takes the viewer into the work-from-home lifestyle of a teacher, and delves into the several aspects of this change that the pandemic forced on her. While juggling household chores and her duties towards her students becomes a daily reality, the narrative invoked to communicate all of this remains controlled and quiet. It does not take shelter in any ornate devices or ostentation, or even spiral away its energy in a feverish fervour. This, in turn, becomes a decision that allows it to succeed at sharing not a story of grandeur and loftiness, but one marked by the mundane and everyday chores. 

Within its folds also lies a comment about the location of women in society where they straddle domesticity as well as the professional space in a manner that is not expected of men. In the process, the film offers an endearing, honest and sincere story, enabled and enhanced specifically by its tone and approach of subtlety and calmness.

Portrait of a Teacher  | Short Film of the Day

A man is sitting by himself, obsessively scribbling something. As voices begin to echo in his head, we are allowed a glimpse into what might truly be going on. The narrative introduces us to an incident where a professor dismisses his pupil in a very harsh manner. It is this incident which has now led to our protagonist's frenzied state while he attempts to desperately fix his folly, completely oblivious to those around him. The bad grade has disturbed him deeply, as has his teacher's censure. All of these developments will eventually culminate into a truly dark reality, one revealed to the viewer only at the film's conclusion.

Genesis | Short Film Nominee

A narrative can sometimes convey its intentions even without the use of any dialogue, and this short film happens to be an example of the same. It takes the viewer into the life of a young dancer who adores her teacher. The two make a jubilant duo on stage where they seem to be in a space of their own. However, life has different plans up its sleeve for them. The plot then reaches an unexpected turn, moving swiftly to cover a long passage of time, and finally leaves you with an image of hope and peace that has been the protagonist's companion all along, especially in times of adversity.

The Last Dance | Short Film Nominee

The short film is a lighthearted glimpse into an all too familiar situation, one of a teacher trying to conduct lessons with his students over a video call. As one distraction follows another, he is determined to complete the class, even in the face of all their naughtiness. Through its comedic narrative, the film further offers a subtle, passing comment about the contemporary state of things in the country. It is in the garb of humour, that the narrative indeed attempts a relevant critique of problems like the migrant labourer crisis that India is battling in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Master Ji Ki Kir Kiri | Short Film Nominee

The film has a noble intention, but it is unable to manage a competent execution of the same. The amateur attempt to convey the message about the failing Indian education system leaves much to be desired. However, it earns full points for engaging with a much-needed conversation of contemporary society.



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