The primary action and drama of the film pivots on domestic abuse and its many ramifications on a family. However, intrinsic to this premise is the idea of self-imposed inhibitions, mainly as a result of social constructs and the manner in which gender dynamics are enforced. A pinjra or cage thus becomes the defining metaphor for the lived reality of this mother-son duo who are both direct and indirect victims of an abusive husband and father. The film is marked by notable performances, and a frugality of dialogue which is employed judiciously to share its intentions with the viewer. It does not shy away from sentimentalism, along with tying it with a smattering of animation to drive its message home.

Pinjra | Short Film of the Day

The narrative does a notable job of invoking several elements and thematic concerns - childhood trauma, mental illness, battles with medication, sexual exploitation - and engages with each of them adequately. The story is of Titir, Mithi and Tirtha, childhood friends who were separated from each other by a terribly tragic event. Even though their paths may have crossed again in adulthood, their equation is far from what it used to be. 

Plagued by the many travails of time, both Mithi and Tirtha battle their own personal demons as well. The portrayal of this friendship becomes the preoccupation of the film. The film further utilizes poetry and symbolism to enhance itself, eventually leaving the viewer with a meaningful story of malice, loss, but also friendship, and loyalty.

Sleeping Pills | Short Film Nominee

Engagement with any form of mental illness is a complex endeavour to embark upon and this film attempts the same. It brings in several elements that include child sexual abuse, childhood trauma and the manner in which they affect a person's mental makeup in their adulthood. The film boasts of a notable performance by Meghbalika as the protagonist, as well as potential in terms of storytelling and structuring of the narrative. It does, however, show a want of more polishing in the technical department, an aspect that would have greatly benefited it as an overall product. On the whole, the team exhibits talent and skill that can be realised further in latter projects.

Vacuum | Short Film Nominee

Karthik and Krati’s path crosses in a train, and their instant chemistry leads to a free-flowing conversation. As the journey continues, the exchange traverses several territories of a shared Bollywood love, manifestation of dreams and desires, parallel lives of a soul, death, and the sadness left in its wake. 

With the progressing narrative, however, something else, away from this realm of cheeriness, also seems to be lurking right under the surface. The plot thus smoothly intertwines loss, grief, and the subsequent coping within its folds. 

The storytelling, narrative building and the ease of the performances aid this reality fully. Notwithstanding a few hiccups in the sound department, the subsequent endeavor remains heartfelt, and earnest all along.

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