We meet different people every day and even more different personalities. Personalities are diverse and complex, often shaped by one’s background, experiences, and cultural influences. However, we often overlook the nuances a single personality can hold. Padosi, a master’s degree film, explores two personalities seemingly at odds on the surface, but who ultimately find commonalities and form an unexpected bond.

Plot

Directed by Ankit Masih, Padosi is a 27-minute short film exploring how comforting interpersonal relationships can be in times of loneliness. The film opens with a frame of Paheli (Samragyi Bansal), a young woman in her 20s, struggling to open her old, rusty, and seemingly difficult metal folding bed on her terrace. Paheli goes about her day, running errands and writing something in her diary. For the first 5 minutes of the film, Paheli’s character does not speak a word. It suggests a connection between her introverted nature and the stubborn folding bed. However, she can be more lively and outgoing when encouraged, as shown by the friendly message she leaves on a neighbor’s car, indicating that she is not completely disconnected from social interactions.

Soon, her silence is broken by the prompt and talkative nature of Chahat (Vansh Pandita), her neighbor, who she meets on the terrace. While Paheli has minimal things to talk about initially, Chahat on the other hand actively pulls her into various conversations. As they continue interacting, they gradually find themselves connecting by sharing their personal aspirations, struggles, and dreams. Over time, both of them start eagerly anticipating their meetings on the terrace and even begin going out together.

Take Away

Paheli is a complex and multifaceted personality who requires someone’s support and understanding to open up fully. Her initial reluctance to engage in conversation and occasional stuttering stem from a sense of anxiety and fear of being judged by others. However, as she spends more time interacting with the outgoing and talkative Chahat, her stammering gradually reduces. It reflects the joy and comfort that the developing friendship brings her. The bond that blossoms between Paheli and Chahat, bond out of their mutual lack of close social connections, soon evolves into a meaningful and deeply fulfilling relationship that transcends the boundaries of mere neighborly acquaintance. The transformation highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in forming relationships. It also conveys the film’s broader message about the power of connection in overcoming personal challenges and societal pressures.

The folding bed is a recurring element throughout the film. It becomes a symbolic representation of Paheli’s gradual unfolding and opening up to the world around her. The folding bed, which becomes a character in itself is just like Paheli. It is stubborn and resistant to change at first, but ultimately bends and folds as Paheli’s comfort levels increase.

Society has a certain effect on all of us, and we perceive almost all our surroundings from a pre-defined objective lens. A popular example of this is, “Pink is for girls, and blue is for boys.” This objectivity is easy to follow, adapt to, and pass on to upcoming generations. However, it can have a lasting impact, a negative one for anyone who thinks differently. There is a countless history of subjugation, loneliness, and the need for understanding. In light of the 78th Independence Day, let us take an oath to accept, appreciate, and celebrate all forms of freedom. We bring you a 30-minute short film embracing the nuances of family, personal freedom and its acceptance in society. 

Plot Summary

Written and directed by Ria Dinesh & Arjun Krish, F for Freedom opens with the scene of Shyama Gauri (Laya Simmpson), a homemaker, cooking her favourite prawn curry for the family dinner. To her disappointment, she learns that all the family members have other dinner plans, leaving her to eat alone. The film features an ordinary family which is dysfunctional in some ways and highly appreciative of each other in others.

The film follows the story of this family of four. Ravi Menon (Johnny B) is the CEO of an IT company. Sachin (Sanju Sanichen), the elder son, is an electrical engineer who works in IT. He is a bit shy but loves to cook and sing, and he is the one closest to his mother, though he does not express it much. Pooja (Aiswarya Menon), the younger daughter, is a college senior, who is mostly focused on herself and social media. The couple has been married for 30 years, but Shyama often feels taken for granted by the family.

The family has a deep love for each other, but they do not often express it. Everyone is caught up in their own lives, except for Shyama, who spends her free time from family duties exploring new hobbies and interests and even trying to develop them professionally. As the story unfolds, we follow the relationships between these four people. One day, the mother suggests the family take a vacation together. It is this vacation where the family members learn new things about each other.

F for Freedom: Take Away

The film F for Freedom beautifully depicts the complexities of personal freedom and its delicate balance within the family structure. As Shyama navigates her evolving identity amid traditional expectations, she embodies the struggle faced by many women. She struggles to assert autonomy while navigating societal norms that prioritize family duty over personal desires. Alongside, Sachin’s life takes a big turn, and her acceptance in society and family gets delicate, further highlighting his quest for personal freedom.

It was 15th August 1947 when India gained its independence from the atrocities of British colonialism. The independent country was handed over to its leaders. 1947 marked the joyous occasion of India’s independence. However, it was also a year of some of the most devastating massacres in history. As citizens of the free nation, we must honor the sacrifice of both renowned and ordinary freedom fighters whose immense contribution has shaped the India we know today. Though the British departure left a majority of the population in poverty, India has since risen to become the 5th largest economy globally. This is a remarkable achievement that portrays the resilience and determination of the Indian people.

Anshul Vijayvargiya’s 2023 musical short film, Azadi, aims to reignite the spirit of nationalism and patriotism among the Indian youth. The 14-minute film celebrates Indian culture, patriotism, and the nation’s freedom.

Summarizing Mohit Chauhan’s Azadi

Sung by Mohit Chauhan, the musical short film Azadi opens with a group of four friends. They are found engaged in a spirited discussion about India’s development compared to other Western nations, particularly England. The group is divided into two distinct camps – three of the friends who are critical of India’s status, considering that India is lagging. On the other hand, the fourth friend Anjali passionately defends the immense sacrifices and struggles of the freedom fighters. 

As the argument intensifies, a force suddenly transports the three critical friends into the tumultuous history of India’s freedom struggle. They experience first-hand the atrocities and oppression unleashed by the British colonial regime. This results in them gaining a newfound appreciation for the hard-won independence that their nation enjoys today. The film’s climactic scenes depict the patriotic fervour that swept across India during the final years of the independence movement. The imagery and spirited lyrics of Shakeel Azmi and Mohit Chauhan’s vocals capture the raw emotion and unwavering determination of the people as they rallied to expel the colonial masters. 

Take Away

The Indian freedom struggle represents far more than the remarkable progress our nation has made since those dark days. Millions of Indians made immense sacrifices to secure our hard-won independence and the freedom we now cherish, making it a poignant remembrance. The film Azadi serves as a powerful reminder of the blood, sweat, and tears that went into securing the right to self-determination for the Indian people. It urges the youth to realise the true significance of Azadi, which generations of Indians fought and sacrificed for. The film encourages the younger generation to appreciate the freedom they now enjoy and to never take it for granted. And, recognize the immense struggle and suffering that paved the way for India’s independence. 

Directed by Pranav Bhure, “Suffer: A Journey Through Life” is a 17-minute short film. It centres around the relationship between a hardworking father and his free-spirited son from a middle-class family. The film portrays a new and unconventional outlook on life, exploring how this perspective, while positive in some ways, can also have negative consequences for the characters. Through the father and son, the film explores the complexities that arise when different values collide within a family unit.

Plot (Spoiler Free)

The film opens with Karan (Ritesh Tiwari) getting ready for something formal and important. However, the specific nature of this event is not revealed at the start of the film. The plot then shifts to three months ago, when Karan, who has recently graduated from a university in Mumbai, is discussing job placements with his friend and recalling their college days. Karan also mentions visiting his parents back in their hometown, whom he has not seen in a long time. 

As Karan journeys to his hometown, he is observed making some questionable purchases, such as buying earphones for a single train journey because he forgot to bring his old pair, and throwing away a bottle of water simply because he no longer needed it, even though he had bought it to wash his face instead of using the train’s tap water. 

Upon his arrival home, Karan is confronted by his mother (Sujata Deshpande) about his reckless and mindless spending habits. Karan’s mother is shown facing financial difficulties due to his father’s (Abhijit Deshpande) recent job loss. However, the family is hesitant about how to break this news to Karan, who remains unaware of the recent developments, as they do not want to burden their child.

Suffer: Take Away

The relationship between Karan and his father is the central focus of the film. The father is portrayed as a hardworking and disciplined man who places a strong emphasis on financial responsibility and stability. In contrast, Karan is depicted as a free-spirited and carefree man who prioritizes his own happiness and fulfilment. 

As the narrative unfolds, and the big realisation hits Karan, the plot turns. The contrasting worldviews between the father and son ultimately lead to a thought-provoking exploration of the nuances of life.

This film by Pranav Bhure delves deeper into the psychological impact experienced by the characters as they navigate the unexpected financial instabilities. The title “Suffer: A Journey Through Life” aptly captures the central theme. It explores the hardships faced by the family and encourages the audience to reflect on the importance of being more mindful and responsible about essentials like family bonding and financial management. This prompts the viewer to balance individual pursuits and familial obligations, highlighting the universal challenges inherent in the human experience.

Directed by Rajeev Upadhayay, Ek Kadam is a 20-minute short film that centers the journey of women’s liberation from the confines of domestic spaces and societal limitations. Despite the advancement and modernization seen in cosmopolitan India, it remains common for women to be restricted from stepping out of their assigned domestic roles without the approval or presence of a socially established patriarchal figure. Ek Kadam challenges this expected submissiveness from women and subverts the patriarchal norms in its remarkable exploration of women’s empowerment.

Plot

The film opens with Mahendra (Rajesh Tailang), Anuradha’s (Renuka Shahane) husband, directing her to deposit money. Evidently, Anuradha is unaware of the banking procedures due to her restricted lifestyle, confined primarily to the domestic sphere. The scene vividly portrays Anuradha’s nervousness and hesitation at every step, highlighting her complete dependence on her husband Mahendra. In contrast, she shares a sweet and supportive relationship with her son, who seems to understand and empathize with her marginalized position within the household. 

If Anuradha makes a rookie mistake during the banking transaction, Mahendra quickly seizes the opportunity to reinforce the stereotype that “women aren’t capable of things,” instead of guiding or helping his wife learn. This echoes the classic male-chauvinist attitude. Mahendra likes to maintain complete control and have everything in accordance with his own preferences. Moreover, he displays a blatant lack of respect for the individuality and autonomy of women. Also, failing to recognize the need for their active exercise. Although this mindset may have confined Anuradha within the domestic bars for ages, she gradually learns to shatter these constraints and assert her independence by walking out of the restrictive environment. 

Summing Up Ek Kadam

Ek Kadam is a poignant portrayal of a woman’s journey to liberate herself from the shackles of patriarchy. At the same time, it highlights the deeply entrenched sexism. It draws from the experiences of women and the dilemma faced by women protagonists in popular Indian cinema. The film sensitizes the audience about the need for gender equality through its realistic narrative and relatable characters.