Long, uncut shots take us into the world of ‘Tamashbeen’. It opens on a lighthearted note where a man shares a tale of a childhood infatuation that ends in tragedy as adults take charge of this reverie. 

The physical space remains fixed, marked by clutter and a sense of something unsettling about to make its presence felt, even if the narration presented by the protagonist, the film’s sole character, remains easy and swift flowing. Once again he takes us into his tryst with romance, only to be met with a similar fate before hope could spread its wings any wider. 

The performance remains the strongest force of the narrative, constantly pushing it forth, along with camerawork and the surroundings to complement it all. As the conclusion arrives, the film’s title too is realized, ensuring that the story of the man who has continued talking to his reflection all along stays with you long after you are done watching it.

Tamashbeen | Short Film Nominee

Valarpirai or Waxing Moon is an endearing story that is defined by its inherent warmth and innocence. The plot is simply about a father-son relationship, and the many moving parts that surround it. In the process, however, the film invokes an entire array of emotions - from affection, love, intimacy to tragedy, sadness, and the attempt to still find a silver lining and hope in the darkest of times.

 The visuals that are employed to share the story are notable and marked by a smoothness that further serve to enhance the final result. This is coupled with a background score that complements the drama unfolding on screen before you.

 A little boy adores and looks up to his father who says he works as a painter, but the missing toes on his foot tell a different story. Extremely hard-working and determined to provide his son with everything that he can, be it a notebook or cycling lessons, he leaves no stone unturned in pushing himself. However, amidst the love and innocence, it is clear that something troubling is brewing right under the surface. When the narrative reaches the point of revelation, the little boy is left facing a circumstance his young age has not prepared him for, and yet, the conclusion provides an uplifting glimpse into his approach that is eventually marked by a sweet, and complete devotion towards his father.

Valarpirai | Short Film Nominee

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

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.

An Open Sky | Short Film Nominee

Loosely based on a true event, ‘Aarzi’ invokes a sense of transitoriness in its title. The same sentiment becomes the guiding force of the film. The story locates itself in a pandemic-stricken world where the loss of life and loved ones has overwhelmed our reality. Two parallel narratives develop side by side in the film. A mother-daughter duo relaxes at home, while a couple battles bereavement on their way back home from assumedly a funeral. 

The film does an intelligent job of keeping these realities separate until the very moment when an overlap provides the crux of the story. In the process, the viewer’s attention is drawn to the horrifying migrant crisis of India which left hundreds of thousands of daily laborers stranded with no shelter or refuge.

Aarzi | Short Film Nominee

The narrative opens with an intimate meal that two people are sharing. The couple before us seems deeply in love. Their attire and the mood of the setting further imply that this is an important moment, an important date that brings to life an idea which, in turn, harks back to the suggestion in the title. 
However, the mood of ease and romance is soon subverted with a tragic development that follows next. The narrative and storytelling remain sincere and devoted in their attempts, and eventually present the viewer with the film's true intentions and ideas.

The Last Date | Short Film Nominee

Anand is a recluse who interacts with no one - at home or at his workplace. He takes care of his bed-ridden father, a young son, and all his professional duties. We continue to go deeper into his life, but the reticent protagonist offers no verbal expression to help the viewer know him better. However, the visual development so far has painted a life of difficulty, isolation and oppressive unhappiness before us. 

When Anand finally begins to talk, at the prodding of a kind, well-meaning colleague, the revelation arrives. It is in this that the film’s core message lies, a social comment about the misuse of those tools that are present for an efficient functioning of society. Instead of a shield, however, they are being wielded as a weapon, adversely affecting more than one life, states the film. Additionally, it remains marked by competent performances throughout, and an adequate balance between dialogue and silence to share this story.

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