When we hear that somebody is suffering from mental illness what’s the first thought that comes to our mind? If mental illness has anything to do with memory impairment then the thought that they are not reliable is bound to cross our mind. But it so happens that even in that state of obliviousness they sometimes remember the most essential thing in their life. These are things that even the most sane person sometimes seems to forget. And that’s the beauty, the short film, The Broken Table, tries to capture.

The Broken Table: A Closer Look

What’s broken should be thrown out right? But that’s exactly what The Broken Table tells you to rethink. Directed by Chintan Sarda with a star-studded cast consisting of Naseeruddin Shah and Rashika Dugal, the film will make you remember the things that you have forgotten over the years as a result of keeping pace with the fast-changing world. 

The setting for the film The Broken Table is pretty simple, a caregiver (Deepti) is asked to look after an old man (Giri) suffering from Alzheimer’s as the family has to be away to attend a wedding. It is during these few days that Deepti starts seeing the world in a different light. And no unlike various films dedicated to mental health awareness, Deepti doesn’t exactly see the world from the point of view of someone who has Alzheimer’s but rather she sees her world from her point of view, without any fog of doubt or misunderstanding with a little help from Giri of course. In the film, though Giri may seem to have trouble remembering certain details, he never forgets the most important ones such as rule no.1 of love. (Curious? Watch the film below!).

From the acting to the direction, The Broken Table is a visual masterpiece. Each scene is shot in such a way that it maintains an air of mystery and melancholy until everything is revealed in the end. The way the actors convey the emotions and the way the scenes are executed give them an air of relatability to anyone watching from any corner of the world, which is bound to make this film a success.

Afterword

The Broken Table will force you to take a step back from the world and just breathe for a moment. The film is a hearty mix of beautiful and soulful. Though it may initially bring you down a bit watch out for the ending to feel the warm happy feeling spread out across your heart. If you want a quick serotonin boost or are confused about how to go about certain things in life, give this film a watch.

The life of a woman is built on change. She transitions from a daughter to a sister to a wife to a mother. Throughout this entire journey, it’s not only she that changes but what changes are her surroundings, a woman never ends up staying in one place for a long time as each gender role demands her to switch places as well. And for the longest time, this aspect of womanhood has been taken for granted by men and forgotten by women who have moved past that phase. The short film Pressure Cooker Modak brings this very aspect to light and reminds us about the forgotten past.

Pressure Cooker Modak: A Closer Look

Directed by Sarang Sathaye and written by Omkar Gokhale, Pressure Cooker Modak tells the story of every woman of today who is struggling to find a balance between impressing her in-laws and doing well at work. The result of such a hectic schedule and a thirst for trying innovative things in an attempt to do smart work rather than hard work are cooking experiments such as pressure cooker modak. 

The short film starts off like a classic Indian soap opera with the saas-bahu (mother-in-law-daughter-in-law) complain-trying to impress scene. The mother of the actor being a traditional conservative Indian woman is not ready to accept a bahu (daughter-in-law) who doesn’t hail from the same linguistic and cultural background as hers. The film Pressure Cooker Modak establishes this displeasure really well by citing instances when the mother-in-law picks on the tiniest bits of things to complain about. And the way the film progresses, one would not expect any change in the mother-in-law’s attitude towards her daughter-in-law. But soon the climax shifts the entire trajectory of the film as the mother-in-law realises that she too once was a daughter-in-law who tried her best to impress her in-laws using various tactics that didn’t always go as planned. Hence, she ensured to remind her soon-to-be daughter-in-law to not be ashamed or try to hide away her shortcomings as they are her soon-to-be family, and trusting them with her successes and failures is the first step to becoming part of any family. 

The best part about the film Pressure Cooker Modak is how it conveyed the characters’ dynamic values and representation through their choice of clothing and mannerisms. The mother-in-law was dressed in a traditional saree with gajra to signify tradition. On the other hand, the soon-to-be daughter-in-law can be seen wearing a sleeveless blouse with a simple yet traditional saree with minimal hairstyle and jewellery signifying a fusion of tradition and modern where the modern seems to override the traditional. Furthermore, the expertise with which the mother-in-law guides her daughter-in-law in opening the pressure cooker highlights the experience of the mother-in-law when it comes to handling household chores and her wisdom in everyday life. 

Afterword

The very title of the film Pressure Cooker Modak highlights the blend of tradition and modernity as modak is a sweet that is considered very traditional and is a huge part of Ganesh Puja which is a very prominent festival for the Maharashtrians. So, the very fact that the title suggests that such a traditional sweet was made with the help of a pressure cooker rather than the traditional steamer nudges the audience about the generational blend and differences that they might expect from the film. What it doesn’t tell them though is the generational commonality that they might unexpectedly end up stumbling on as they watch the film. Though the message of the film may seem pretty cheesy and reminiscent of the old Bollywood films, it still touches the hearts of the audience because of its relevance to this day.

It’s often said in Indian society that it’s a woman who builds the home. But it so happens that it’s that same home that ends up becoming a prison for her. It’s the same home that nurtures everyone and ends up curbing her wishes and dreams. It’s the same home that does provide her comfort but with a high price of suffocation. It so happens that she builds it but we dictate how the home functions, taking away the authority she carried with the home. The short film Chaukhat reminds us of this ordeal in a very practical situation.

Chaukhat: A Closer Look

Directed, written and edited by Asif Khan, Chaukhat tells the story of a woman who must make a decision regarding her own life which involves going beyond the four walls of her home, in order to ensure a better life for her and her daughter. In Hindi, Chaukhat literally means the “door frame” of a house or home. Throughout the film, the Chaukhat of the female protagonist’s home has been used as a metaphor to decide her freedom as a woman. 

Grappled with poverty and a desire to ensure that her daughter receives the best possible education Sangeeta our protagonist in the film wants to work to provide for her daughter. But bound by the Chaukhat that her mother-in-law drew for her, she is unable to step outside. It takes a lot of persuasion and faith in herself that finally push Sangeeta to cross the Chaukhat. 

The film overall is a rather inspiring one. By making the protagonist as ordinary as possible the writer allows the audience to relate more to her and the story. As the logic is simple, it can be anyone’s tale. Thus, it heightens the impact of Chaukhat. The actors especially the protagonist Sangeeta have done a phenomenal job at portraying the desperate conditions that one may be pushed to by life. The setting of the film in a tiny one-room along with the drabby clothing that the characters don does the job of conveying the desperation of their situation. 

The choice of the mother-in-law to wear the same outfit while others around her change their outfits every five minutes or so including the protagonist Sangeeta is symbolic of her rigid attitude and behaviour. Further, a closer look at the pattern of her saree which is just plain straight checks highlights the unflinching attitude that people have carried for centuries even women. It can also be a nod to why women continue to carry the mantel of patriarchy as was pointed out by Richa Chilana in her research paper titled, “There’s something to be said, / after all, / for giving in”: An Analysis of the Veil in Imtiaz Dharker’s Purdah and I Speak for the Devil. In the paper, Chilana points out how the very fact that the mantel of power given to a woman in patriarchy is cyclical in nature, resulting in the tormented bahu (daughter-in-law) becoming the decision-making saas (mother-in-law) in the future, the saas continues the cycle of torture instead of breaking it as she will get her share of power then. 

Although the storyline of the film may carry a punch, it’s camera-work can surely do with some more direction. The various camera angles and the way the focalisation was executed were very reminiscent of the early 2000s Indian Soap opera shots, which may seem a little dated given that the film was released in 2024. But if the film intended to pay an ode to the old saas-bahu serials that first propagated this narrative of Chaukhat and crossing it, then the camera angles make complete sense.

Afterword

Overall Chaukhat is a film that needs to be seen to help people understand the issue surrounding the idea of freedom for women from different sections of society. Given the short duration of the film, it is commendable what the protagonist and others have managed to capture. 

Diwali is the festival of lights, celebrated with great enthusiasm. However, in their personal celebrations, people often overlook the true meaning behind the festival. Diwali is a time to worship goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha. Regrettably, in their materialistic pursuits, people tend to forget the path to reaching God, which is through kindness towards others. Kirti Mahadik and Rugved Jambhavdekar’s award-winning short film portrays the life of a young girl named Rupa.

Summary

The film opens to a scene of Rupa who is a young orphan adopted by a family of beggars. She is watching other children her age walking home from school with their mothers. Feeling lonely, left out, and disconnected from ordinary life, Rupa observes this scene with a sense of longing and isolation. The narrative then shifts to Rupa running into a man who kindly apologizes to her for accidentally knocking her over. Despite this unpleasant incident, Rupa surprisingly walks away feeling happier and more affirmed. This is because it is probably one of the first times she has felt acknowledged as a person. She reflects on her past interactions with people around her, which have often made her feel insecure and dejected. Her encounter highlights the stark contrast to the newfound sense of being seen that this recent encounter has provided.

She is also curious about why people treat women with indifference and if that could be the reason she lives with an adopted parent. To help her with her constant sadness, the lady who has adopted her makes her realize the importance of women. She reminds her of Laxmi and how the goddess resides in each woman. Throughout the film, Rupa experiences some mean interactions between herself and her companions. She also runs into troublesome people who force her into helplessness stemming from coming from a poor family. However, one thing that remained constant is Rupa’s effort in not only being a good person but also accepting her fate and making peace with it. Despite the hardships and challenges she faces, Rupa maintains a resilient spirit. She strives to find positivity in her life, taking inspiration from the divine feminine represented by the goddess Laxmi.

Rupa: Take Away

This short film conveys a powerful message about the importance of empathy, kindness, and embracing one’s identity as a woman. It encourages the audience to look beyond the materialistic aspects of the festival. And, instead focus on the deeper spiritual and social significance it holds. The film’s portrayal of Rupa’s resilience and inner strength in the face of adversity serves as an inspiring example of how women can overcome societal challenges and find fulfillment in their own self-worth. By highlighting the character’s journey of self-discovery, the film encourages the audience to celebrate the real Laxmi within themselves and others, fostering a happier and inclusive celebration.

Human suffering is a concept that every individual experiences, but often fails to explore fully on an emotional and mental level. The complexities of human suffering are not easily grasped or processed, as each person we encounter is engaged in their own unseen battles. Rohit R Chauhan’s short film, 5 Star, offers a poignant exploration of the diverse and varying struggles that permeate the lives of ordinary people.

Summary

The film opens with a scene of the grandmother conversing with her granddaughter, Shraddha. It’s evident the grandmother is grappling with either dementia or Alzheimer’s, as she struggles to recognize Shraddha. The situation is initially difficult to grasp, but the atmosphere indicates a worrying scenario. The narrative then shifts to the present, where Shraddha and her grandmother are packing to leave somewhere. We learn that Shraddha, who has always lived with her grandmother, now sometimes travels for work, leaving her grandmother alone.

The film then introduces an Uber driver who is likely in a foul mood, leading him to tarnish his own Uber rating. To rectify this, he ensures to be polite with the rest of his passengers. When he encounters Shraddha, he takes the time to understand the critical condition of her struggling family of two. Recognizing their challenging circumstances, the driver becomes extremely helpful, ensuring Shraddha and her grandmother don’t face any further difficulties. However, the film’s climax further dampens the mood, as it becomes clear that human suffering is endless and inevitable, a complex phenomenon to fully comprehend and process.

5 Star: Exploring Themes

The film beautifully weaves together the intricate themes of human suffering, empathy, and the frailty of the human condition. The grandmother’s struggle with memory loss and Shraddha’s role as a caretaker highlight the emotional turmoil and isolation experienced by individuals dealing with debilitating health issues. The Uber driver’s initial frustration and subsequent compassion towards Shraddha and her grandmother demonstrate the capacity for empathy and kindness, even in the face of one’s own challenges. Moreover, the film’s ending underscores the idea that human suffering is a universal experience, and that despite our best efforts, we are often powerless to alleviate the pain and struggles of those around us. The film’s exploration of these themes is both poignant and thought-provoking, inviting the viewer to reflect on the complexities of the human experience.