We had grown up looking at our fathers for new clothes every Diwali, new toys when we were kids, and occasional family dinners where they would splurge for a wholesome end to the day. However, it is extremely easy for us to neglect their daily struggles. At the same time, it is even more difficult for them to handle all the responsibilities with a smile on their face. Bushirt, a 2024 short film, addresses these sacrifices made by our fathers.

Synopsis

Directed by Aadiep Sharma, Bushirt is a 12-minute short film about the lives of the old couple Gauri (Pradeep Ghildiyal) and Kaushalya (Jagriti Dobhal). The film opens with Kaushalya singing a Garhwali folk song when her husband, Gauri, enters the frame. Soon, they are engaged in a light-hearted domestic quarrel about eating dinner leftovers for breakfast. 

Gauri is a retired old man trying to make ends meet with his pension and savings. Kaushalya, although aware of their financial limitations, wants Gauri to use his last few years of life to the fullest and care less about saving money. The couple, who also seem to be raising their grandson, are also concerned about raising him without much financial restrictions. 

Throughout the film, the couple is engaged in light-hearted quarrels, and Kaushalya keeps asking Gauri to live a better life. She is seen asking him to get a few new shirts (bushirt) made for himself in light of coming festivals. She also advises him to use their car to go around instead of the old scooter Gauri is attached to. However, Gauri is extremely frugal with every decision he makes. He is unconvinced about almost every other expense he needs to make. Through their quarrels, it is evident that Kaushalya loves and cares for Gauri, but both share different love languages. 

Take Away

We often find many people who have struggled to live the life that they live today being extremely frugal. Being economical is the right way to spend. However, it is equally important to treat yourself for your achievements and enjoy life to the fullest. This is even more important once you have started turning gray. Bushirt speaks to this balance and how the lack of it can sometimes lead to unfulfilled dreams. Kaushalya is shown to be worried about Gauri not living life to the fullest and thereby enjoying his last few years.

Another key takeaway from the film is the selflessness in relationships, particularly marital relationships. Sometimes, we get so engrossed in saving for our future that we forget to live in the present and care for our loved ones. Kaushalya’s character embodies this selflessness and her concern for Gauri’s well-being over her own wants. Similarly, Gauri’s character reflects selflessness, as he prioritizes providing for his family’s future over spending on himself in the present. These sacrifices, while noble, can lead to unfulfilled dreams and a sense of regret, as hinted at in the film.

Conclusion

Bushirt, portrays the endearing dynamic between Gauri and Kaushalya. Additionally, it explores the themes of selflessness, sacrifice, and the pursuit of unfulfilled dreams in the twilight years of life. The film serves as a poignant reminder to strike a balance between financial prudence and living life to the fullest, especially in our later years. As we grow older, it becomes increasingly important to savor the present moment and ensure that our dreams, however small, are not left behind.

In today’s world of high-tech apps, where every task is just a tap away, it is easy to forget the past. The times have indeed changed. Technology-driven lives have replaced simpler times and old charm. Pragyan Chaturvedi’s Aath Aana is a delightful journey that will remind you of simpler times.

Plot

Directed by Pragyan Chaturvedi, Aath Aana is a 16-minute short film that takes the audience on a light-hearted and funny journey. Set in 1980, the film follows the story of Satish Sahu (Pururava Rao), a young mathematics teacher, recently appointed in a school. On day one itself, he encounters a debate over the writer of a poem that Nirmal Ojha (Raghubir Yadav), the Hindi teacher, recites. Both of them, certain about their arguments, decide to bet their Aath Aana on it and fall into a heated debate. While one blames the other for having no literature background, the other accuses him of being arrogant. Eventually, they settled on receiving proof from the Delhi University library, which takes months to arrive.

Aath Aana: Analysis

The film, Aath Aana captures the old era and the trivial yet engaging disputes that used to keep people entertained back then. The film highlights the cultural nuances, the nostalgic setting, and the simple yet relatable interaction between the two protagonists. Through the lens of the past, it touches upon the value of respect, patience, and humility. The dry and sarcastic humor highlighted throughout the film adds to the charm and brings out the characters’ idiosyncrasies.

The time spent waiting for the response also brings the two opposites closer, subtly conveying the importance of communication, empathy, and understanding each other’s perspectives despite initial disagreements. The film is a delightful window to the past and triggers a sense of nostalgia for simpler times, where human interaction, rather than technological gadgets, was the primary source of entertainment. Moreover, it highlights the respect for time and distance. The respect that has somewhat faded over the years due to how technologically advanced we have become.

Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced world, Aath Aana is a refreshing palate cleanser. It takes the audience back in time and reminds them of the inherent joy in everyday interactions over the trivial yet meaningful things in life. The film, Aath Aana is a delightful cinematic experience. It celebrates the charm of the past while subtly conveying the timeless values of mutual respect, patience, and open-mindedness.

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.