Short Films
Ek Chup: But At What Cost?
In the post-pandemic phase, as we return to a “normal” life, Ek Chup reminds us that not everything needs to go back to the way it was.
COVID-19, a time in the digital age of human history that brought the entire world to a standstill. Taking pride in our technological advancements and trying to come up with ways to make the world more efficient from coming up with faster learning to faster-eating techniques to ensure maximum efficiency of human resources. In 2020, at the peak of hustle culture came the biggest pandemic in the digital age that brought the world to a standstill. A pandemic that reminded people that staying at home is equally important. But what about them for whom the outside world was the escape as the home was equivalent to hell? It’s the tale of these domestic violence survivors that often goes unheard in the growing anxiety over the virus, and the short film Ek Chup brings exactly that to light.
Ek Chup: A Closer Look
Directed by Sonya V. Kapoor, Ek Chup tells the story of the thousand unheard and silenced voices due to domestic violence all across the world especially during the pandemic. Starring Mona Singh, the film, Ek Chup perfectly captures the growing anxiety because of the uncertainty surrounding the the virus mingled with the daily anxiety one feels around the perpetrator of domestic violence.
The plot of Ek Chup works brilliantly to convey the message that a perpetrator is a perpetrator regardless of his educational qualifications and literacy level. The misconception that it’s only the poor and the illiterate that often unleash violence upon their spouses is beautifully contradicted by the film. Ek Chup also subtly highlights the pressure that the doctors went through during the pandemic to keep up with the increasing number of patients. But by making both the perpetrator and the victim of domestic violence doctors, the film also hints at the fact that work pressure because of the pandemic is not an excuse to be violent, especially in a domestic space that is considered a space for respite.
The biggest plot point that makes the entire film a masterpiece is the continuous focus on the phrase “Ek Chup, Sau Sukh” (Silence is Golden). From gestures to continuous reminders to posters around the house, Ek Chup as a film ensured that the film’s main idea was understood and rather ingrained in the viewers’ minds. The ending of the film plays a huge role in making the film a masterpiece. However, it is worth pointing out that the idea that it was set during the time of the pandemic needed to be conveyed better as there were instances where the COVID-19 protocols were broken during certain plot points like towards the end which sort of took away from the core idea which was domestic violence at the time of the pandemic. But otherwise, it is a rather well-written and executed film.
Afterword
In this post-pandemic era where we are trying our best to return to a “normal” life, Ek Chup acts as a reminder that let’s not normalise everything and take a vow of silence when raising our voice is the need of the hour. Silence may be golden, but not when it comes at the cost of one’s basic right to live with dignity as then gold is nothing but a shiny metal that is worthless as there will be no humans left to attach value to it.
Short Films
All That You Would Like To Know About the Movie ‘Entanglement’
Truth fractures a couple’s relationship as perception blurs reality in a movie that questions love, memory, and trust.
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.
Short Films
Not Friends, Not Strangers: The Quiet Power of Kindness
Between strangers and friends, kindness inspires us to help each other and quietly make the world feel more human today!
The short movie ‘Not Friends Not Strangers’ is directed by Momita. The movie touches emotions on a deep level. It focuses on recovering from hard situations, discouraging over thinking. The film depicts coping with loss as well as dealing with new situations. There are hints of gratitude and a touch of loneliness. The film is well structured connecting emotions that resonate with each one of us.
We all go through worry, stress or skepticism in various ways. While watching the film we go through the emotions of anxiety, doubt or suspense with the characters. We can easily connect to the feeling of being let-down by someone whom we depended on, how it feels to bear a burden alone. We know how good it feels when we get help from one another, especially when we are in a low place ourselves, with no option. Helping others gives us a newfound hope though it is advisable to be cautious and careful. We realize solutions to our problems are easy, when there is someone to guide or advise us.
Circles of Connection
A circle doesn’t have an end or a beginning but it can always become bigger. What goes around, comes around. We all are in need of good advice at certain times in our life. We all need that one support system that elevates us and helps us progress in life. Be it advice or finance or a job, whatever temporary need we may have we tend to get it somehow. There is a powerful message to give strangers a chance to prove themselves. We could get used to being with new people and make new friends.
In emergencies the people who we least expect come forward to help us in the greatest ways. This is a powerful reminder of one good turn deserves another. The good deeds that we do to others, comes back to us. The title is apt, as there are some relationships that are neither strangers nor friends but something even more than that. Kindness bridges the gap between strangers; it puts forward a reminder of our differences in fragile humanity. This makes the world a better place. The film has the themes of Kindness as a ripple effect – small acts multiply into larger transformations.
Small Acts That Transform Lives
Small acts of kindness can transform the world. We rarely notice how small acts of generosity have the power to transform lives and thereby create a better world. It’s a common sight to see where competition, chaos, negativity and self – interest dominates the narrative. Kindness does not need banners, speeches or labels. It’s a point to ponder that some of the most meaningful relationships in our lives are born out of necessity and not out of choice.
The helping hands in struggle, a warm meal or the words of encouragement are often from strangers. Strangers bring us out of defeat and encourage us to carry on. It’s fascinating that people who we least expect are the ones who come forward in our greatest time of need. Thoughtful gestures surprise us from neighbors who step in while family cannot. It is a reminder that comes across stark and clear. There is beauty in just being human. We learn that compassion is not transactional. A momentary help can be all that someone needs. It can brighten up their day and give them inspiration to carry on.
Let’s make a conscious effort to be kind let’s make an endeavor to listen, to help or uplift one another. We can never imagine what a small act of kindness could do for us and each other. “There is a quiet power in kindness the world heals when we help each other”. Between strangers and friends’ lies kindness, the quiet bond that heals hearts.
Short Films
Raat Din Din Raat: A Story of Caregiving, Conflict and Compassion
Raat Din, Priya’s shift to Indore reveals how perspective reshapes love, pain and fragile hope into strength.
‘Raat Din Din Raat’ a movie directed by Adeeb Rais, opens with a man seeking help to speak his heart. He feels suffocated by stress and unexpressed frustration. His mind feels heavy and anger colours his smallest reactions. He snaps at little things and cannot enjoy daily life. His inability to cope with constant pressure shows in every gesture. He believes life has treated him with deep unfairness. He lives in confusion, unable to understand his suffering.
The title ‘Raat Din Din Raat’ reflects this endless torment. The phrase suggests repetition, a loop of constant pain. His struggle feels like a vicious cycle without escape. His partner, Priya, lies very ill in a hospital bed. He has accepted full responsibility for her fragile condition. Bills keep piling up and overwhelm his limited income. Daily work feels like a burden he can barely shoulder. He cannot balance medical expenses and focused work.
The Fractures of Care
The caregiver informs him that Priya’s mother will arrive. She plans to complete formalities for shifting Priya to Indore. He hears this news and instantly reacts with frustration. Priya’s mother firmly announces shifting Priya to Indore. She states clearly that this decision is not negotiable. He refuses to accept Priya’s removal from their city. Shifting Priya to Indore would separate the devoted couple. Priya would gain family and friends but lose her partner. For the mother, nineteen months of hospitalization seem endless. She sees that stretch as proof that hope has faded. For the partner, those months still hold fragile hope. He recalls how Priya suffered when her family rejected her. They cut ties because they disapproved of their relationship. Only Priya’s accident softened her family’s rigid stance. His frustration grows as he faces this painful hypocrisy. He reaches a breaking point and then discovers a truth.
The Power of Perspective
The film then highlights how perspectives can diverge sharply. He begins to understand the importance of another’s viewpoint. He sees that perspective can transform hurt into empathy and accepts that everyone carries problems hidden from others. People often assume their sufferings outweigh everyone else’s. He learns that each person fights private battles in silence. This insight gradually changes his entire outlook on life. From that moment, he adopts a different mindset.
His attitude softens and he observes people with compassion. He notices how everyone bears some heavy, invisible burden. This recognition gives him a new ray of hope. The plot turns as he embraces this altered perspective. He finally agrees to shift Priya to Indore. He reassures himself and others that things will be fine. His inner transformation triggers a shift in the mother. She senses his sincerity and revises her own stance. She agrees to let him visit Priya in Indore and only asks that he come when the father is absent.
The film explores emotional resilience under relentless life pressure. It portrays caregiving as both an act of love and exhaustion. The story examines conflict between romantic love and family authority. It highlights class and financial strain during long-term illness. The narrative emphasises perspective-taking as a path to healing. It shows how empathy can emerge from deep personal suffering. The film also explores hope versus practicality in medical crises. It questions who truly gets to define “home” and “family.” Viewers will experience a raw, honest portrait of caregiver burnout. The film offers nuanced characters rather than clear heroes or villains. It invites audiences to reconsider quick judgments about others’ choices.
Short Films
Aparichit: A Paradox of Sharing Without True Connection
How social media shapes our lives by turning strangers into online connections that feel deceptively familiar constantly
Rahat Jain directed the movie ‘Aparichit’, giving it a title that fits perfectly. The Hindi word “aparichit” means “unfamiliar”, “unknown” or “stranger”. Samarth Garg wrote the story, focusing on modern social media habits. Nowadays, people easily share personal stories on social media. However, we hesitate to make friends in person. We trust Facebook contacts and let them into our personal space. Meanwhile, strangers constantly observe us online and we do not realise it. On the contrary, a stranger entering our physical home makes us uncomfortable. Strangely, we rarely check whether someone is really known to our friends. We often trust blindly.
In today’s digital world, posting intimate life details online feels normal. We share news about relationships and jobs openly. Often, we express thoughts with excitement and vulnerability. Regardless of busy lives and stress, we use social media fearlessly. We hope to destress, but we unknowingly invite more chaos. The symbolic “shelter from the rain” represents escape from life’s pressures. Social media offers this escape, yet it comes at a price. Because of this, we find it difficult to trust people around us. We embrace virtual reality instead. Ironically, we retreat from real, genuine connections. It is easier to communicate with strangers on Facebook. But it’s impossible to interact with our neighbours at home or commuters on a bus. We feel more comfortable sharing with online contacts, not new friends in person. Thus, we exchange meaningful bonds for virtual validation. We find refuge in this when every form of refuge has a price.
The Double Lives of Our Digital Friends
The characters in the movie portray the behaviour of online so-called “friends”. They build connections based on common likes mentioned in their feed. People online show us whatever they want us to see. They could be living double lives; we rarely realise it. We are sceptical whenever a stranger enters our home. We immediately feel fear, suspicion or anxiety. Conversely, virtual strangers know everything about us and we stay comfortable. This paradox shows how our behaviour can contradict itself. We suspect those we see but trust the unseen online. Social media gives a false sense of intimacy. We underestimate how much online “friends” pry into our lives. Although we believe we know them, in reality, we live parallel lives. Their profiles often deceive us.
They can influence our choices and steal our originality. Because of this, we sometimes trust online contacts over our real community members. Our fear of vulnerability drives this pattern. Sharing stories with strangers feels safer than risking rejection locally. As a result, our mental well-being suffers. We risk naivety and manipulation. Real emotions lose meaning as we exist in virtual space. Research shows heavy social media users feel lonelier. Online connections substitute for real relationships, limiting our ability for deep bonds. Nevertheless, human connection remains essential. We need eye contact, handshakes and laughter. Difficult conversations and conflict resolution build real life’s worth.
When Strangers Feel Familiar
The themes highlighted in this short film are the paradox of sharing personal lives freely online while avoiding genuine connection in real life. Social media gives the illusion of closeness and trust with virtual strangers. These connections may be superficial and misleading. Oversharing online opens individuals to naivety, manipulation and the risk of being deceived or exploited. Online “friends” can present false or curated identities and live double lives, making it hard to discern authenticity. The irony of blindly trusting virtual strangers while being suspicious of those we encounter physically. The story warns against the dangers of blindly trusting social media contacts. It highlights the need for caution and awareness in online interactions. The film especially reflects issues of misjudgement and trust among young people in today’s social media landscape. The call to put down phones, participate in communal life and build authentic human relationships.
Therefore, let’s put down our phones and connect with people around us. Let’s attend local events or join clubs. Let’s start conversations with strangers. Instead of just sharing stories, let’s nurture genuine relationships. Now is the time to rethink social media’s place in our lives. We should use it to support, not replace, real connections. Let’s show bravery and vulnerability. Let’s risk building meaningful relationships. The movie highlights the reality for youth today. Young people sometimes misjudge and trust blindly. Importantly, this story educates. It powerfully warns us not to admit strangers into our homes or lives. Indeed, anyone could exploit Facebook references. Ultimately, we must stay cautious in our interactions.
Short Films
Jalebi: A Sweet Paradox of Life, Choices and Perspectives
Words guide people through life, turning each journey into a sweet jalebi of choices, emotions and shifting perspective.
The movie ‘Jalebi’ was written, directed, produced, edited and cinematographed by Kailas Prasannan. It opens with a depressed employee talking to their employer, where the employer shows a little appreciation for their work and chooses another person for the job over her. There is a display of deep regret and disappointment. The employee blanks out upon hearing the painful news of being let go and replaced. This is followed by a phase of introspection, during which silent thoughts, wonder, shock and doubt cloud her mind. The conversation she has thereafter with a cab driver reveals an entirely different perspective on life. Their attitudes contrast sharply. Both experience solitude, yet one feels alone while the other does not, despite being surrounded by people in a foreign land. People react differently: some feel disappointment, while others find a unique connection.
The very title, Jalebi, symbolises a paradox of emotions, where a person can feel contrasting emotions simultaneously. It all happens in the mind and life is like eating a jalebi. The movie paints a vivid image of picking up a warm, juicy and delicious jalebi. Being fully aware that it is oily, juicy, crispy and heavenly, yet leaves your fingers sticky. Worries arise—should one keep their fingers clean or simply enjoy the momentary happiness of eating this sweet? Negative thoughts about its unhealthiness and the fear of gaining weight follow. People often ignore the brief joy of savouring the jalebi and focus more on the negativity it brings.
Embracing Life’s Contrasts
The cab driver’s words make the passenger realise that everything depends on perspective. Our reactions matter most. We can choose to respond with positivity, kindness, gratitude and purpose. The moment we overthink, we kill the joy of those small, special moments. The cab driver taught the passenger that her choices matter and situations can either break her or fuel her joy. He enjoys changing people’s lives, making a difference one journey at a time. His advice encourages her to stop worrying about small, insignificant things and to allow herself to experience the joys of life. It’s better to find a way of living that you enjoy, rather than questioning your choices by overthinking them.
As he spoke, she felt the weight of her worries lift. Her eyes brightened, no longer downcast. The views around her grew interesting again, the world seemed brighter and she felt alive. That taxi journey and the conversation with the driver changed the passenger’s life forever. In his words, she found the advice she desperately needed. It was an elixir of life, reaching her at exactly the moment she needed it most. His voice was calm, warm and genuine. Every day is a new chance to start all over again, to make a change, to be better. His words were like a gentle stream of positivity that ignited hope within her. It changed her attitude and she decided to take the plunge to fulfil her dreams. She found new confidence and enthusiasm to start again.
Finding Joy in the Journey
His words started to seep into her consciousness. As she reached her destination, she was a different person. When she stepped onto the sidewalk, she saw the jalebi in a new perspective. She felt liberated and realised she had the power to choose her reactions and rise above the seeming doom and gloom. Everything changed from that moment on. The Jalebi is not only symbolic in the title but also symbolic of life’s journey. It teaches us that everything comes with a price and we must be willing to overcome ourselves.
She also learnt that life is a beautiful cycle. Enjoy the journey and cherish the people we meet no matter how brief their company may be. The movie ends with a word of appreciation, which always goes a long way in encouraging one another.
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