We rush through our lives, making decisions as lights turn green and clocks tick on. We brush people off, turn down little voices, brush aside the moments that appear inconvenient or small. In our rush to get somewhere else, we seldom stop to consider how our actions will have impact on the people, environment, economy and the society. Sometimes a throwaway sentence or impatient gesture has harsher and harder impact than we intend to and we only know the weight once the moment has gone. Regret slips in softly. We play the moment back and notice for the first time what we ignored in the rush – the disappointment in the corner of an eye; the effort that has been put into a small gift; the love that is sitting underneath the error.

We want to go back and offer more patience, kindness and awareness and yet now the damage has been done. However, regret can also bring us back into responsibility; lead us out of the door to mend what we have broken, to return to the world with humility and sensitivity. In acknowledging our thoughtlessness, we come to learn the importance of empathy and the quiet courage to fix it.

Tokri

Tokri (The Basket) is an animated short film, directed by Mr. Suresh Eriyat. The film has no dialogue, instead using gestures and detailed expressions to portray the action. Tokri has earned the Best Animation Film award during the National Film Awards. The story explores the theme of human relationships, compassion and all of the challenges that come with everyday living. It has depicted through the life of the people within a miniature world.

The film Tokri tells the story of a young girl, whose life is influenced by family, duty and a mistake, she never intended to make. When she leaves the safety of her home, she has both an emotional and physical burden to carry. The themes of guilt, determination and strength are presented in the film. The film portrays the delicate relationship between the parents and the child and how seemingly small acts can have great impacts and consequences.

The Role of a Father

In Tokri, the relationship between the father and the daughter is established through subtle gestures, rather than through words, spoken aloud. The father figures are often their child’s first source of safety and strength. They provide reassurance to their children. The father’s presence in the daughter’s life serves as an anchor in the world, filled with uncertainty and unpredictability. This relationship has a delicate balance of authority as well as tenderness.

What makes the father-daughter relationship truly powerful is its quiet steadfastness, as it has no need for grand gestures to signify its existence. It grows through mutual glances, through the unspoken understanding of the other and through the mutual desire to keep each other safe and protected. Even at times of guilt or miscommunication, the father-daughter relationship can withstand the test of time. At the root of the relationship is trust, sacrifice and unconditional love for each other.

Compassion and Forgiveness

The smallest, quietest moments of compassion can be thought of as the motive behind the other person’s actions. When we start looking at someone’s mistake differently and see the intention behind that mistake, a bond of understanding is formed. We have to look past our frustration and see what might have been motivating them to act the way they did. Therefore, instead of reacting to them with anger, we are able to respond to them with patience. Instead of holding onto blame, we give them a chance to grow.

Forgiveness does not change the past. It simply changes the meaning, given to those actions by turning guilt into learning and regret into responsibility. We can acknowledge the pain that was created from the past. If we choose to forgive, we are not going to allow that pain to define our relationship. We will allow ourselves to have another opportunity for redemption, another chance to make things right and another opportunity to rebuild our trust.

The film Tokri teaches us that compassion is what strengthens a relationship. The film shows that when you encounter someone, who is vulnerable, you have an opportunity to be kind to them. We all make mistakes and we all fall down at times. When we practice empathy and forgiveness, our relationships can become stronger. Our love does not show us that we are perfect. Our love shows us that we have the ability to understand, to accept and to grow together.

Ever look back at your child-self and think you were happier, more carefree? Ever wonder what changed your perspective and dimmed your childlike glow? As kids we romanticise growing up, being independent and free. We form our own version of the world around us, living in a peaceful bliss. Until, of course, we actually “grow up”, and to our great surprise, it’s nothing like we thought. Or is it?

We start out as curious, full of energy and cheerful beings. We see the beauty in everything, find joy in the little things and are fearless explorers. As time passes, we become more aware of the reality. The responsibilities, expectations and worldly perceptions cause us to shrink our child-selves to become what we are “supposed to be”. Growing up we feel lost, misunderstood and sometimes out of place. Everyone’s path may differ, but the crux of it remains the same: what is my place in the world? Ultimately, it’s all part of the “experience”. So maybe we should just accept it and embrace the anxiousness that comes with our quest.

‘One’

‘One’ is an animated short film, written and directed by Ketan Pal. The story follows a newly manufactured one-rupee coin, excited and enthusiastic about his new surroundings. The animation wonderfully captures the emotions of a normally “inanimate” token. We see the joy this coin experiences as he journeys to his new potential home. He is initially grateful for his newfound life and is filled with expectations.

His joy, however, is short-lived. The place he winds up in feels harsh and rather chaotic. He still carries hope and courage to navigate his new environment. It isn’t easy though. His anticipation and eagerness fade with each disappointment. His counterparts all seem experienced, important and of more “value”. He feels dejected and unimportant, ultimately taking matters into his own hands.

The Role We Play

While our lives primarily affect us and revolve around our choices and decisions, there’s a broader perspective to be considered. A perspective that, when acknowledged, proves to be powerful and inspiring. The truth is, besides being individuals, we are part of a society. A society that, whether we like it or not, is interlinked and weaves us all together. We often underestimate the impact we may have on others. In fact, we don’t see it at all sometimes. Our surroundings and environment shape us more than we are willing to admit. Just like others affect us, we affect them. The beauty of this, though, lies in acknowledging your own power, your importance.

Alone we may not feel like much, but when we think about how our individuality really impacts those around us, we realise how special we are. The little one rupee coin didn’t see his significance. He overlooked himself and gave up hope, feeling lonely and sad. When a similarly dejected and lonely passer-by found him, surprisingly at a time they most needed it, he was introduced to a whole new world. A world where he wasn’t just a coin but an essential part in bringing joy to many strangers seeking comfort.

A Sense of Belonging

In this new environment, the coin rediscovers his enthusiasm and joy. He feels valued and important as he witnesses the happiness he is capable of bringing. He is no longer overlooked and unprioritised. In this moment of contentment, he finds himself part of a greater community. A community of coins, just like himself, who embarked on a journey to find their own purpose. He makes new friends and is once again excited for his future adventures.

Surrounded by so much thrill and delight, he no longer feels afraid or unsure. He finally sees his worth and appreciates his own determination. Though he was once on the verge of giving up, he is now inspired to take more adventures. He feels encouraged to spread more joy and hope to those in need of it, owning his place in the world.

The movie brings into perspective how we often look down upon ourselves. How we value other people’s opinions more than our own self-image. The film urges us to look beyond our insecurities, give ourselves some credit and not give up. It is a message to all those who are uncertain or doubtful that they too have a place in this world. A place where they belong and are valuable beyond measure.

 ‘Tower’ is a spectacular movie written and directed by Sanket Angane presented by Kutuhala Films, produced by Pravin Gangwani. The title is apt as it shows the Tower is what causes the bitter-sweet change in nature. A mobile phone and a tower in the place show no issue of range or connection but at the cost of innocent bird’s lives.  On one hand people want the pleasures of peeping through the internet into the wide world. Yet on the other hand there is that pricking guilt that we are destroying nature- collectively, silently and most certainly.

The story is about a young cattle herder, Phalya, who wanted to make a difference. In the past he enjoyed watching flocks of birds flying overhead and now they are all gone. He was heartbroken by this changed phenomenon. When he came to know the exact reason, he tried to make a change. The mention about birds shows the difference between past and present of how change is inevitable. We must move with the times, if not we could be lagging behind.  This film gives a rather powerful message of not relying too much on mobiles and towers. The message is fitting for the young generation to get an education, advance and progress in life but don’t neglect nature. It’s a great loss to humans and the Earth as well. 

The Same Tower That Connects Us, Divides Us from Nature

The short film has some captivating themes. The clash between human progress and the silent suffering of the natural world is evident. A young herder’s heartbreak at seeing the disappearance of birds he once cherished. The tower is symbolic as both a beacon of connectivity and a monument to ecological loss. How relationships evolve from mobile phones back to handwritten letters, symbolizing a return to authenticity as love through real communication, emotions and meaning. The film calls for viewers to reflect on their own role in preserving nature. The protagonist’s journey from despair to determination, urges change in his community.

Tower: A Film That Rings Alarms Beyond Calls

Though Phalya’s love story gained momentum only as he got a mobile, he chose to revert to writing letters and urged others to do the same only to save the environment.  He considers that people lived much more wholesome lives, without the existence of the mobile. Phalya was doing all that he could to make others realize that the towers were really threatening to the lives of beautiful birds. It very rightly brings out the fact that mobiles don’t always serve a purpose as a helpful person would. The use of mobiles has a lot of shortcomings, which cannot be ignored.

The joy he gets from seeing the birds draws his attention to the root cause of why he cannot see the birds fly in the village anymore. He becomes sure that in the village birds don’t fly about anymore. They discuss the boons and banes of mobile phones. In the discussion, he realizes that the towers of the mobile have ill effects on birds. For the generation to enjoy mobiles, bird’s lives are at stake. The epiphany for him to realize that when a phone is switched off, people still have to resolve to earlier methods of communication, that didn’t harm the environment.

A Love Story Written in Letters, Not Signals

His gloomy mood thereafter, puts views into realization. He couldn’t imagine how people could use a mobile when its causing harm to innocent, beautiful birds. He is torn apart between the beautiful birds singing and the sound of the mobiles ringing. His friend comes and confronts him about wanting to tear down the tower. The viewers are also in the thought- provoking journey considering the truth of the matter. Phalya alone cannot make the difference. Through a letter expresses his heart’s desire to stop using the mobiles. The village settings give life to the well – known fact that nature has its deep connections to humans. We are all a part of this whole called nature.

Tower is not just a film—it’s a mirror held up to our times. Sanket Angane’s brilliant vision captures the bittersweet irony of modern life: the joy of instant connection weighed against the silent disappearance of birdsong. Through the eyes of a young herder, the story unfolds as a poignant reminder that progress without balance comes at a heavy cost. This is a film that will make you pause, reflect and perhaps even change the way you look at your own phone. Don’t miss the chance to experience a story that speaks to both the heart and conscience.

The movie ‘Chakkiwala- (A Day of a flour mill man)’ is written and directed by Ajay Kakade.  It is a well -crafted movie with no voiced dialogues, just expressions oozing in every scene. A silent story that speaks louder than words. This brings out the message of change, acceptance and evolution. There is symbolic use of the mirror – showing the power in reflection. Lighting of the incense sticks indicates enlightenment – sort of epiphany that sparked the change within him.  Emotions expressed of inner pain and dejection that the malfunctioning of his grinding machinery means no income.

When the grind stops, the soul awakens

The movie bears some captivating themes of transformation & renewal. We notice it in the Chakkiwala’s journey from tradition to modernity. It symbolizes personal growth and the courage to embrace change. The next is an exploration of the tension between age-old practices and contemporary conveniences. Also, the aspect of resilience in adversity. This is seen in his struggle with the broken grinding machine, which reflects the universal challenge of adapting when life disrupts our routines. Sustainability & simplicity is also noticed in choosing a simpler, more sustainable path. This shows how progress can align with humanity’s deeper values.

The interesting part of curiosity & conviction: his willingness to experiment and adapt highlights the importance of open-mindedness and determination. The contrast of getting the ready – made flour instead of the hassle of getting the grain ground. There are also issues of trust to ancient vs. modern means. At the mention of the machine stopped working, it stings the chakkiwala. He realized he could all the same serve humanity, without the grind. As he continues working, a kind of transformation is happening, an evolution from past to present. He tries out both, the readymade flour as well as the ground flour for himself, just to know the difference.

One man’s switch becomes everyone’s inspiration

With a resolute heart, he turned off the grinding machine, sealing a pact with himself. The Chakkiwala’s journey took a new turn, as he chose a simpler, more sustainable path, for himself as well as the people he served. He decides to make the ‘switch’ turning the switch off to the grinding machine seals the deal he made with himself. He chooses a different path to earn the same goal of serving humanity, in a simpler and more accepted way. Another stark message is sometimes turning off a machine turns on the heart. We grasp that “The flour of life is acceptance, adaptability and heart”. His story is a testament to the power of curiosity and conviction, adaptability and acceptance, adjustment and judgement.

Watch as he navigates this new chapter, inspiring us all to rethink our ways and find innovative solutions. His tale is one of heart, humanity and a dash of courage. Step into the world of ‘The Chakkiwala’, a silent yet soul-stirring film that speaks volumes through pure expression. Watch as a humble flour mill man confronts the collapse of his old ways, only to discover a new path filled with meaning, purpose, courage and hope. With powerful symbolism and heartfelt storytelling, this cinematic gem invites us to reflect on our own lives—challenging us to embrace change, honour tradition and find strength in simplicity. From tradition to transformation, watch the Chakkiwala’s journey unfold.

The movie ‘Entanglement’ written and directed by Yashaswini Nath is about a couple, Chitra and Amir. The movie is described as a science-fiction, psychological drama. The storyline follows the couple as they navigate a ‘strange event’ that turned their relationship upside-down. The trailer itself evokes intrigue and mystery, indicating deeper forces at play in this so called “event”. The true source of the mystery is undisclosed or perhaps even unknown by the characters themselves. Irrespective of what caused this strange occurrence, the rift between the couple seems to be deeply damaging and potentially irreparable.

The Power of Perception

The true and more alarming enigma is that the couple recalls this situation in two entirely different ways. It’s almost as if the two had different “breaking points” in their relationship. The couple decides to take a trip to fix their relationship but this only further escalates their problems. They are faced with the question on whether their recollection of the incident is the truth or simply a misunderstanding.  Their realities clash with their perception and tension builds. They find themselves caught between their perceptions and the truth of the situation.

There is a popular quote that says “There are three sides to a story: His, hers and the cold dark truth”. In this film, the cold dark truth is left a mystery amidst the individual perceptions of the couple. Both sides are left confused about the actual happenings and the cause for it. This is where the movie’s title ‘Entanglement’ comes into play. They get caught up in their own confusions and version of the truth. It’s not exactly “twisted” but they are trapped by their own perceptions in a unique way. The movie is full of suspense as the viewers are taken on a roller coaster of emotions.

Emotional Crossroads

The couple seems to care deeply about each other but are trapped in misunderstandings. The movie shows how perception shapes your reality. They mould their reality to fit their imagination. Their narratives are twisted – entangled. What begins as frivolous, each reach a point where they wonder how to behave with each other. Their reactions become unpredictable and their behaviour snowballs into unnecessary tension. The movie highlights the importance of mature conversation and avoiding assumptions but the audience are left to decipher which of the two is telling the truth.

The movie has been highlighted as “Short Film of the Year, India 2025”, praised for its blend of science-fiction and emotional storytelling. Audiences would greatly appreciate its depiction of subjectivity and perception as well as the psychological elements of human connection.