“Noise – The Rickshawala” is directed by Sandhya Ram Mahindra. The short film is a thought-provoking tale of anger’s ripple effect on everyday life. This award-winning Hindi short, featuring Munna Lohar, Stuti Agarwal, Dinesh Sahdeo, R K Chhadd, and Anu Radha Pandit, has earned accolades like Best Indian Short Film at the Ooty International Short Film Festival 2021 and Best Director (Special Mention) at the Emerald Peacock Film Festival.

The heart of this film is the rickshaw puller, Munna and Stuti, a young girl whose lives are unexpectedly altered by an unrelated couple’s argument. The film’s unique approach subtly delves into how a single instance of anger can set off a chain of events impacting those involved directly and indirectly. It is a classic example of the butterfly effect, which at its core is: A butterfly fluttering its wings 1000 miles away can end up causing a hurricane in a place it will never see in its lifetime. 

Munna Lohar’s portrayal of the hardworking rickshaw puller, caught in the middle of a couple’s dispute, is a standout. His character, a symbol of the resilience and dignity of society’s unsung heroes, brings to the forefront the daily battles of individuals often overlooked. Stuti Agarwal, as the young girl Stuti, beautifully captures the innocence and vulnerability of children exposed to adult conflicts. Her character’s journey underscores the unintended consequences of anger, disrupting the delicate world of a child.

The portrayal of the hardworking rickshaw puller Munna , caught in the crossfire of the couple’s dispute is a standout. His character brings to the forefront the daily lives of individuals often overlooked. The interconnectedness of human lives captured in this short film is truly commendable. The cinematography, with its stark yet beautiful visuals, reflects the harsh realities and fleeting moments of hope in the characters’ lives, drawing the audience into the film’s world and enhancing their viewing experience.

“Noise – The Rickshawala” mirrors societal anger management issues and its far-reaching consequences. The short film is a powerful reminder of the need for empathy, understanding and emotional control, a message that will resonate with the audience and provoke thoughtful reflection.

“Noise – The Rickshawala” is a must-watch for its compelling storytelling, strong performances and insightful commentary on the human condition. It illustrates how interconnected our lives are and how actions fueled by anger can have damaging ripple effects.

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“In Defense Of Freedom” is a 6-minute short film directed by Nandita Das that is a thoughtful prequel to the well-known feature film “Manto” starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The film follows the journey of Manto, a renowned writer, as he navigates the complexities of a society that often rejects his work. In this prequel short film , Nawazuddin Siddiqui embodies the very essence of Manto with unparalleled conviction, adding another laurel to his cabinet of exemplary performances and portrayals. 

At its heart, “In Defense Of Freedom” is a commentary and exploration of societal dynamics, shedding light on the tendency of societies to conceal their flaws and contradictions by vilifying the people who dare to hold a mirror to them. The film rightfully explores the notion that it is not the art that is repulsive, it is merely a reflection of the society, the society that recoils in hostility when confronted with its own ugliness. The film’s social commentary is a powerful reminder of the importance of artistic expression in challenging societal norms and fostering meaningful discourse.

Through her direction, Nandita Das has made the film a thought-provoking commentary on the delicate interplay of art, criticism and societal norms. She calls viewers to introspect, urging them to engage in a dialogue with themselves about their place in this intricate fabric of society.

As the viewers are drawn closer into the world of Manto, they are forced to confront uncomfortable truths about society and their collaboration within it. Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s portrayal of Manto serves as a medium for this introspection in this short film.

In addition, “In Defense Of Freedom” is a testament to the power of storytelling as a tool for social commentary. Through Manto’s narrative, the short film goes beyond the confines of mere entertainment; it is an essential reminder of the importance of artistic expression in challenging societal norms and fostering meaningful discourse.

Every frame of this film is designed to allow the viewers to live in Manto’s world and see his perspectives, struggles and triumphs firsthand.

‘In Defense Of Freedom” may be short in terms of duration, but its impact is anything but short and fleeting. The film’s unique blend of compelling storytelling, powerful performances, and thought-provoking social commentary leaves a lasting impression. Its simple and clear-cut message stays in our minds long after Manto (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) walks away from the scene, leaving us with a lot to think about and a renewed appreciation for the power of storytelling. As a prequel to “Manto”, it sets the stage for the cinematic masterpiece, at the same time holding its own ground as a compelling work of art.

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“Halfway” unfolds like a brushstroke on a pristine canvas, inviting viewers into the world of a young boy whose artistic journey becomes a metaphor for more profound truths about life and the natural world. Directed with a delicate touch, this film explores the deep connection between art, nature and human perception, leaving an impression on the viewer.

A Young boy armed with his art supplies immerses himself in the serenity of nature to capture its beauty on paper. As he meticulously recreates the landscape before him, he finds the hidden layers of reality that can go unnoticed in casual observation. Through his keen eye and dedicated focus, he unveils a deeper understanding of the world around him.

The film “Halfway” deftly explores the transformative power of art , portraying it not just as a conduit for communion with nature, but also as a catalyst for profound personal growth. As the boy understands the intricacies of his surroundings, his artistic endeavours become a metaphor for the journey of self-discovery, inspiring viewers to reflect on their own potential for transformation. 

What sets “Halfway” apart is its ability to convey messages subtly and gracefully. Through the young boy’s journey through his art, the film underscores the importance of preserving and protecting the natural world. It urges viewers to be more aware of their relationship with the environment. It advocates for a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, emphasising the importance of our interconnectedness with the Earth.

Immerse yourself in the visually stunning and thematically profound experience of “Halfway.” This captivating film is a powerful reminder of the beauty surrounding us and the profound insights that can be gained from our interactions with the natural world. With its mesmerizing cinematography and heartfelt performances, “Halfway” invites audiences to embark on a journey of introspection and appreciation, leaving them inspired to embrace the inherent wonder of life’s masterpiece.

In a world filled with the hustle and bustle of modern life, “Halfway” is a timely reminder to pause, observe, and marvel at the splendour of nature’s intricate design. It resonates deeply, reminding us of the timeless wisdom that awaits those who dare to look beyond the surface and immerse themselves in the artistry of the natural world.

Inspired by true events, Harish Tarun’s 29-minute short film, Madhu is a poignant tale of a family from a lower economic section. In the daily hustle and bustle of city life, we often fail to realize that many who share exactly the same environment as us are living completely different lives. Harish Tarun beautifully explores this stark juxtaposition of lifestyles that are all too frequently ignored by society. 

Plot

Set against the backdrop of 2012, the short film opens with the sight and sound of a honey bee buzzing around a field. This serves as a metaphor for the protagonist of the short film, Madhu (Rashmi Ghatpande). From the very first shot, we are introduced to Madhu’s endless suffering, beginning with her frustration over her drunkard husband. We witness Madhu carrying out multiple household chores – typical tasks expected from women in villages. 

Soon after, the second protagonist of the short film is introduced. Her name is Nandini (Pradnya Waghmare), and she’s Madhu’s daughter. Nandini is studying in Pune and facing financial difficulties due to her family’s poor condition. Additionally, she feels pressured to treat her friends to coffee in order to celebrate her academic performance. The film highlights her internal struggle as she strives to fit in with a more financially privileged friend circle while dealing with her own economic challenges. 

While Nandini is pressed about her family’s helpless condition, her mother, Madhu, is trying to connect all the dots to manage to send her daughter some money from her village. She sends the last Rs. 50 she has and takes a loan of Rs.150. Most of the 29 minutes of the film revolve around Madhu trying to find endless ways to gather some money so she can help her family grow outside the shackles of poverty and village life.

Madhu: A Motherly Figure For A Beacon of Hope

Harish Tarun’s short film, Madhu explores the bureaucratic relationship between villagers. He exposes the exploitation of subjugated sections of society at the hands of the dominant class, both economically and from a gendered perspective. Like many, Madhu struggles with money because of her drunkard husband. Additionally, when she tries to earn some money, the people she’s working for are fully in control of when they pay her. Madhu is not even in a position where she can utter a word against it. She succumbs to their exploitative nature with a rather sad expression on her face. 

The film realistically explores the lives of many rural individuals in Indian society. Though the time setting is the pre-digital era, 2012, it tells the story of many economically weaker sections even today. Despite some technological advancements, the bureaucracy between the rich and poor remains unchanged. Madhu sheds light on the harsh realities faced by marginalized individuals, particularly women, in rural areas. It highlights their ongoing struggle for financial stability and societal acceptance and emphasizes how these challenges persist to this day. Madhu’s determination and resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of motherly love and the relentless pursuit of a better future for oneself and one’s family. 

Khat is a short film that explores the true meaning of human life. It prompts the viewers to think about the purpose of life and reflect on it. The short film runs like a monologue. It is a letter written from a grandfather to his newborn grandchild. Although dedicated to the newborn child, the extended metaphor behind the film is for everyone struggling to find meaning in life.

Plot and Larger Message

Written by Sameer Mishra, Khat is a letter written to a newborn child by his grandfather (Majid Khan). In the letter, the grandfather begins by welcoming the child into the world. He addresses the very common existential questions people generally grapple with and quickly offers a better way to look at life instead of existentialism. Overall, the grandfather’s letter is full of countless profound subjects and talks. He writes about many life lessons that the grandchild will remain aware of in future generations. 

In his letter, the grandfather continuously talks about how to not give up on hope. Even if you fail, there’s always room for improvement and second chances. Making mistakes is better than giving up. In a world where the whole world has many different career-oriented advice to give to even newly born babies, grandfather reflects a lively personality who genuinely cares about the life quality of his grandchild. The film captures the major various earned at the University of Delhi. 

Afterword

In the film, Sameer Mishra reminds us of the importance of living life rather than running through it like a restless rat. Debunking the age-old myth that our elders only carry about our success in life, this short film gives us a new perspective of an elder who values happiness over anything else. It’s a must-watch on days when you’re feeling down and need that push to get out of bed and take that leap forward.