A newly-married bride wakes up on the morning after her wedding and finds herself bored (and perhaps a little curious). While her husband continues to sleep next to her, she gets to killing time on her own. From unwrapping disappointing presents to being a performer in make-belief situations, she spends the morning executing all kind of acrobatics (both mental and physical). A grim statue of a bat immediately after seeing her mother-in-law is one of the many fun and quirky touches that have been given to the video which experiments with its camera angles, shots and pacing of the visuals. They are further supplemented by singer Ritviz's latest offering, but you will pay attention to the vocals only the second time around. This does not even remotely suggest that the music and the song is any less expertly done, but instead that the video is crafted skilfully enough to triumph over all other elements.

Ritviz - Liggi | Official Music Video

The film opens on the first night of Decchi and Shanti’s wedding. The room is set for the consummation of the marriage, the bride awaits behind her (albeit suffocating) veil, and the groom’s mother has left the necessary measures recommended by the family priest, a pouch of elaichi, in the safe hands of her son. 

It is at this juncture of humor and playfulness that the film develops to present an endearing, heartfelt, and meaningful story about social restrictions, and more importantly, about how they operate differently for men and women. The narrative and screenplay are constructed with thoughtfulness to ensure that humor remains the guiding force throughout. 

Consequently, the message is carried forth with impact, without weighing the film down with preachiness. The characters are authentic and real in their flaws and textures, and are brought to life with notable performances and chemistry. The film communicates this with ease while also ensuring that the viewer is entertained and involved all along.

Elaichi | Short Film of the Month

Two women and two weddings, but only one wedding photographer - this is the premise of Dulhan No. 1. As the brides-to-be fight it out in the photographer's office, the film offers several moments of slapstick humour. It is the wedding season and the film is seemingly a conscious decision to talk about it, but with a twist. It also raises the very essential question in a lighthearted manner - does a grand wedding ensure a happy marriage? It achieves all of this without sounding didactic and preachy, and thus succeeds in using comedic timing in a smooth manner.

Dulhan No. 1 | Ahsaas Channa, Apoorva Arora | Short Film Nominee

The film is short, but crisp and potentially powerful when it comes to the idea it aims to convey. A woman is all dressed up as a bride and is about to get married. Before she steps out to walk towards the wedding party, she receives a call from her mother. The story is weaved smartly because the call immediately makes the viewer question why is the mother not present by her daughter's side. Apparently, there is conflict with the father which has resulted in this. As a nervous, but determined bride begins her walk towards the altar, there awaits a celebration of love that transcends all societal and normative constructs.

Love. No Boundaries | Short Film Nominee

The film opens on a note of chaos and activity. It is located in a house where a wedding is about to take place, and thus the festivities are in order. A man is at the center of it all, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. However, on entering the bride’s room, a disorienting realization hits him. 

The message that the narrative wants to convey is a crucial one, and it is in this communication that the final revelation of the plot lies. Though a little obscure at first glance, it soon becomes clear when the social context is presented to the viewer in a direct, unambiguous manner.

Vidya | Short Film Nominee

A man and a woman sit talking about their shared experiences. The flow of the conversation reveals them to be lovers. However, soon negative memories of fights, miscommunication and disagreements begin to poke their head out, hinting that the narrative might not be headed in the direction it might have led you to believe so far. 

As the true intentions of the plot are made clear, a message about the perseverance that is required to stay in love and make it work is pronounced. All of the action so far also comes to pivot on a single object, same as the one mentioned in the title - a wedding card. Even though the film dwindles a little in the sound department, the entire plot unfolds within the same fixed space, allowing it to focus more on the emotional issues at hand.

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