The film first adopts a first-person narrative to present a reality marked by noise, chaos, and the inability to reconcile the meaning of existence. In his pursuit of this meaning, the protagonist makes his way to an isolated spot with a small, tumbledown cottage where the rocks boast of unmissable art. The examination of this circumstance leads him to a woman, the artist who has braved an unfathomable tragedy, one whose trauma can only be expressed by drawing on these rocks as she tightly holds on to her veil, also the most pertinent echo of the film’s title within the plot. 

In the conversation that ensues between the two characters, the writing, screenplay, and visual development employ an experimental approach, while coupling it with poetry to talk of suffocation, of imprisonment, and how it comes in more than one form. As the metaphor of a veil is tied with confinement, whether visible to the eye or hidden deep within our soul, the thoughtful narrative of the film is shared with the audience.

Ghunghat | Short Film Nominee

The film opens on a seemingly harmless, and potentially uplifting note - the start of a new family. A loving couple celebrates a pregnancy in a world that has just begun to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic. While they rejoice in the news, a box of crayons and a burning cigarette never truly leave the frame. 

The film then moves forward by a couple of years. The family has survived the pandemic, but another more sinister enemy is yet to be vanquished - the addiction to smoking. The film gives a glimpse into how devastating such an addiction can be, not simply for one individual and their health, but also for their loved ones and families. 

Additionally, there is a suggestion of how easy it can be to take comfort in a habit as terrible as this during a moment of weakness, but a reminder of its consequences, alongside the call from a loved one, holds the power to prevent someone from going down this path. Though a few rough edges appear briefly when it comes to the construction of the screenplay, the short film remains unwavering and steadfast in the articulation and portrayal of all of these intentions.

Crayyons | Spotlight

Suraj, the protagonist of 'Sorry', is a man focused on his life and work with unwavering determination. However, when the film opens, something happens that completely derails him. He is unable to shake off a hooded man who follows him wherever he goes. The mystery of his identity is eventually revealed, and with this revelation, the narrative ushers in shocking developments. Chandru and Vasudha enter the story, and the circumstance continues to progressively increase in complexity. 
In the process, the film endeavors a philosophical rumination on ideas of destiny, and love, alongside man’s relationship with the universe. All of these are eventually tied together to pronounce the film’s title. The screenplay is constructed with a smooth edit and swift transitions. There is a lack of tautness in some components of storytelling, but they are pulled back together to present a sincere endeavor in portraying all of these emotions and sentiments for the viewer.

Sorry | Short Film Nominee

Attempting a comment on the vagaries and ironies of life, the short film centers all its drama and progression around a single, inanimate object - a lamppost. As the street light watches over the world and its many injustices, the narrative offers its two cents on the inequality of the world, often taking the form of domestic abuse, prostitution and perhaps a child losing his innocence all too soon. However, amidst all that is wrong with our lives and times, there is also a suggestion of hope, and a sense of warmth which is invoked by the ideas of companionship, friendship and kindness. While all of it might not be explicitly spelled out, with the film allowing itself only an echo of the same, the message still remains lucid and unequivocal.

Lamppost | Short Film Nominee

Contrary to a sense of optimism or vast spaces invoked by the title, the film locates itself in the confined reality of a locked down world. The protagonist, isolated inside her small apartment, only has a faceless companion by her side, her loyal friend Sambhav, who we never see on screen. As we go deeper and deeper into this bond shared between the two, a world of past trauma, loss, isolation and its effects on mental health, a crucial revelation about Sambhav, and lastly, the strength within, is portrayed for the viewer. There is also the endeavor to explore ideas of hope and despair, ensconcing themselves within the narrative, as it eventually ties them all with the title.

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