‘Tholumadan’ are monsters that take human form and kill anyone who recognises their true identity. The film, set in the early 1960s, introduces the viewer to this truth of its realm right at the start, immediately establishing the tone of what is to come. We explore this world through the eyes of Appu, a little boy who impatiently awaits the return of his father from the Indo-China War. 

In the face of news of all kinds of tragedies, and against all hope, Appu’s father returns, but the war has left him completely changed. Through engagement with the trauma that he still carries in his heart, taking the form of all kinds of inexplainable situations for the little boy in Appu, we are presented a world of horrifying realizations - a different kind of horror for adults, one of wars and PTSD, and of completely different kinds for a child, of monsters that only masquerade as humans, but perform strange acts in the darkness of the night. The film explores all of this with skill and very controlled dialogue, the gaps filled with a thoughtful and expert background score. The action unfolding on screen also keeps the viewer engaged, finally presenting a story that employs trauma as horror.

Tholumadan | Short Film of the Month

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.

Most Viewed

Genres

Awards

Follow Us

Quick Links