Short Films
Malota: A Filmfare Nominee Short Film
Krishan Hooda’s film “Malota” is a 15-minute short film that delves into the complexities of school life and critiques the rigid education system imposed on young children.
When you’re out for drinks with your school pals on a Friday night, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the lively times filled with laughter, skipping classes, sneaking lunch in the back seat, or having fun fights and arguments with my best friends. While I value having a good time, I do recall studying things like my fundamental rights as an Indian citizen. But one thing that doesn’t stick is how many times I had to memorize the area of a parallelogram.
Krishan Hooda’s film “Malota” is a 15-minute short film that delves into the complexities of school life and critiques the rigid education system imposed on young children. The film skillfully draws comparisons between these two distinct worlds, offering a thought-provoking perspective. Let’s explore it.
Plot
The film opens with a scene of a couple, played by Geeta Saroha and Vishal Dahiya in their domestic space. They are talking about serious issues such as probable corruption in the area. This has led to their depleting quality of life as a consequence. Due to the same, they want their child, Gulab (Vansh Mallik) to study well and find a better career plan for himself. However, his mother points out that Gulab’s interest in village activities. This highlights the psychological shift from traditional or rural to urban and modern in the parents’ minds.
Soon the scene shifts to Gulab’s school where he is asked to prepare the multiplication table of 12.75 for the next day. While Gulab is studying for the same, he gets distracted by his friends and spends the evening petting a newborn dog. This obviously results in no studies being completed. Afraid of the beating he’ll receive upon not answering the questions, Gulab decides to bunk school.
What follows next is the story of an innocent world through a child’s lens. The outlook is different from that of us adults and it is refreshing. Almost nostalgic and leaves you with a void and scope for introspection.
Analyzing Malota: A Short Film
Malota tells the story of a kid who wants to live life on his own terms. While his parents want him to focus on education and avoid the challenges faced by uneducated people, things don’t seem to work out as planned. It could be said that this happens because of our ingrained belief in a specific type of education from an early age. The current educational system often molds individuals into a standard corporate office person, lacking individuality and personal perspective.
The entire narrative reflects the multiplication table of 12.75, which is arbitrary to begin with and allows for a wide range of interpretations. While multiplication tables are useful to a great extent, there is so much more for young minds to learn about in education besides mere arithmetic. Often critiqued as limited, they serve as an extended metaphor for every formula teaching. They also highlight the arbitrariness within them, prompting a deeper exploration of mathematical concepts and their real-world applications.
Gulab learns about managing water flow and the fundamental principles of bridge construction through a hands-on approach. Interestingly, this approach lays the groundwork for his understanding of civil engineering. Despite being deemed as a waste of time, building an improvised bridge across a random village stream can greatly enhance Gulab’s prospects in his future career. Krishan Hooda’s “Malota” highlights the contrast between rote learning and practical education. He challenges the idea that undervalues creativity and practical skills in favor of standardized educational approaches.
Summing Up
Gulab’s journey in Krishan Hooda’s “Malota” explores the negative impact of a rigid education system. The system that values conformity over practical skills and personal development. The film raises important questions about the true purpose of education. It also supports a more comprehensive approach that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and individuality. It argues that education should prioritize practical skills, individuality, creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth instead of just memorization and conformity.
Short Films
Celebrating the Real Laxmi this Diwali: Watch Rupa
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.
Short Films
5 Star: Reviewing A Poignant Short Film
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.
Short Films
Watch Short Film Bully: Bullying, Teenage and Victim Blaming
Bullying still has a very real frightening presence among teens today. Watch the unexpected psychological effects of bullying.
Bullying is a significant social issue that has garnered increasing attention in recent years, with a growing focus on its prevalence, causes, and consequences. Bullying still has a very real frightening presence among teens today. Adhip Iyer, in his film Bully, portrays common bullying incidents. But he takes it a step further and demonstrates certain unexpected effects of bullying. The short film provides a poignant exploration of this complex topic. It highlights the psychological and social dynamics that often underlie bullying behavior.
Summary
The film opens with a video of Raman crying on his way home from school, highlighting the emotional distress he experiences. He then proceeds with his day, eating lunch, doing homework, and interacting with his parents at the dinner table, where his father inquires about his academic performance. Each school day is a nightmare for Raman. His bullies relentlessly taunt him for complaining and constantly steal his lunch, leaving him feeling isolated and powerless. Although his friend often tries to help him, it does not help the situation.
Feeling alone and unsupported, Raman gradually takes matters into his own hands. He tries to avoid the bullies by eating his lunch early, which only leads to further harassment. Raman then decides to stop bringing lunch altogether, but the bullying persists. This leads him to resort to a drastic measure: packing his lunch box with feces. While this shocks the bullies, Raman physically confronts them before they can retaliate. This demonstrates his growing desperation and the severe impact the bullying has had on his well-being.
Despite Raman’s extreme actions, his suffering goes unacknowledged, and he is blamed for his academic struggles rather than receiving the support and intervention he desperately needs from his parents or the school. The climax of the film is surprising but not shocking because it reflects the harsh reality that many victims face.
Discussing Short Film Bullying
The short film effectively highlights the devastating consequences of bullying, particularly the psychological toll it takes on the victim. In the film, Raman’s experience illustrates the isolation, hopelessness, and desperation that can result from persistent bullying. The film also underscores the critical role that parents, teachers, and the broader school community play in addressing and preventing bullying. Moreover, one can notice that Raman starts off being emotionally and physically weak, but gradually, he gets more and more confident about how he is handling the bullying. His retaliation methods are a strong example of how one gets used to the toxic environment.
The significance of the film lies in its ability to challenge common perceptions and assumptions about bullying. Instead of simply portraying the incidents, the film portrays the social dynamics and psychological impacts that often drive victims to extreme measures. Iyer’s portrayal of the victim-blaming mentality that Raman faces from his parents and teachers is a sobering commentary on the broader societal attitudes that can compound the harm caused by bullying.
Short Films
Mother’s Love, Children, and Tragedies: Watch School Bag
School Bag is a poignant short film based on the true events of the tragedy of an army school in Peshawar in 2014.
Everyone’s life is full of expectations, anticipations, hope, and love. We experience different emotions each day, but it’s impossible to imagine having our lives upturned in seconds. Dheeraj Jindal’s short film, School Bag, is a poignant story inspired by the true events of the Peshawar tragedy on December 16, 2014.
Reminiscing the past, one can easily recall the comforting feeling of walking in a mother’s arms straight from school. With love and affection, she would remove our school uniforms, dress us for the day, and unpack our school bags. Rasika Duggal portrays this affectionate mother, who undoubtedly dotes on her son’s every wish. Farooq, on the other hand, is a lively child, with the energy of a bouncing puppy, always eager for what he desires.
Summary
The film opens with Farooq who is an energetic and enthusiastic young boy. He enters his home after attending a birthday party, most likely held at school. Like any other child, he excitedly tells his mother all about the fun activities and events of his day. This is followed by a discussion between Farooq and his mother about what they should do to celebrate his upcoming birthday, as it is the eve of his special day. Farooq soon demands a new school bag as his birthday wish, persistently nagging his mother about it. He is shown firmly insisting that his mother buy him the desired school bag. He even threatens to not attend school the next day if she does not. Evidently, the doting parent who indulges her son’s every desire, Farooq’s mother eventually obliges and purchases the requested school bag. She then sends him off to school the next day with a smile on her face. The film then takes a heart-wrenching turn as news spreads of a violent attack targeting a school in the area.
School Bag: Take Away
The film is a poignant take on one of the most tragic incidents in Pakistan’s history. Dheeraj Jindal’s direction ensures that the viewer does not realize the specific setting of the film until they have reached the climax. This highlights the universality of the tragic incident and transcends regionality and circumstances. Terrorist attacks, no matter where they occur, are equally devastating and painful for each affected family. The loss, pain and suffering remains the same regardless of the material circumstances. Moreover, the narrative style of the film evokes a certain emotional resonance that makes the viewer feel the void left by Farooq’s absence. The film also echoes the tragic stories and extensive media coverage surrounding the 1947 Partition. Overall, Dheeraj Jindal’s short film, School Bag, powerfully captures the full spectrum of emotions one could experience during a heartbreaking terror attack.
Short Films
Bushirt: Selflessness, Sacrifices and Unfulfilled Dreams
Bushirt is a short film about the lives of the old couple Gauri and Kaushalya, their unfulfilled dreams, and sacrifices.
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.
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