Short Films
The Hands Reaching Out Through Time: Watch ‘Maa Aur Smartphone’
Directed by Shikha and co-written by Surabhi Singh, ‘Maa Aur Smartphone’ is a short film that emphasizes the idea of returning gestures.
There is definitely a generational gap that exists between parents and children. Most often, it does not factor into building a rapport between the two parties. Love, in all its forms, is ignorant of the most defining differences, after all. Sometimes, however, the differing interests and the formative experiences can lead to a certain distance that, if left unchecked, can build up over time. Co-written by Shikha and Surabhi Singh and directed by Shikha, ‘Maa Aur Smartphone’ is based on this simple premise. It is a short film that speaks of reaching out to those who may not necessarily be born in our time but were instrumental in building our foundations as individuals.
‘Maa Aur Smartphone’ focuses on the lives of Vasudha and her son, Shivam. Depicted in a traditional Indian family dynamic, Vasudha spends her days as a homemaker. An individual belonging to a different era, Vasudha finds herself perplexed by the complexities of modern day technology. From the first scene itself, we, as the audience, learn about Vasudha’s difficulties in navigating around her smartphone. While she does reach out to her son to teach her the things that she may not be familiar with, Shivam is too engrossed in his own professional life to find the time.
It is only when Vasudha falls prey to a phone scam, leading to a large amount of funds being siphoned off her bank account, that things come to a head. While Shivam categorically blames his mother for being naive, Vasudha sees how different the circumstances could have been if her son had just taken the time to teach her the very basics of navigating the technology that is at her disposal.
‘Maa Aur Smartphone’ is not an overly dramatic or emotionally wrenching short film, by any means. It is, rather, a simple one. Shikha and Surabhi Singh, however, ensure that its context makes you reflect. The entire short film is founded on the concept of being there for the people who were there for you when you were at your most vulnerable.
The things we consider simple and take for granted can often seem daunting and intimidating for some others. What is critical to understand is the fact that when we, as children, were intimidated by things that seemed way out of our league, our parental figures were always there to guide our hand. The least we can do is return that gesture.
Watch ‘Maa Aur Smartphone’. It may base itself on the idea of unfamiliarity with modern day technology, however, as mentioned earlier, the message that Shikha and Surabhi Singh attempt to relay, through it, goes much deeper than that.
Short Films
Short Film – AUTSIE | Autism spectrum disorder
“Autsie”: A Heartfelt Journey of Self-Discovery: Sometimes the most beautiful symphony is found within a world of noise.
“Autsie” is a heartfelt short film directed by Raghunath S. Animesh. It offers a look into the world of Autism Spectrum Disorder through the eyes of its protagonist, Animesh, otherwise called “Autsie”. The film goes in-depth into the internal and external struggles Autsie faces daily, a young man who finds solace in playing the drums amidst the challenges of living with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the people that make his life challenging as well.
Autsie’s daily life is made a struggle by the people around him who misunderstand him and taunt him, particularly Anup and others who bully him extensively. Autsie’s journey is about coping with his condition and finding acceptance and understanding in a world that often fails to see beyond labels.
A Closer Look
At the heart of the story “Autism” is a powerful message of self-realisation. Autsie’s journey drastically turns when he is unjustly stopped from doing what he wants. This setback catalysed his introspection, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
The film captures the inner turmoil and resilience with the sensitivity and authenticity of Autsie. As he grapples with feelings of inadequacy and isolation, Autsie discovers the strength to confront his insecurities and embrace his unique identity.
The film underscores the importance of empathy and compassion in our interactions with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It serves as a reminder that beyond the labels and stereotypes lies a rich tapestry of human experience waiting to be understood and embraced.
The Take-Away
In a world where differences are often met with fear, ignorance and sometimes even aggression, “Autsie” urges audiences to cultivate a culture of acceptance and kindness towards individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. By shedding light on the journey of Animesh, the film challenges us to look beyond appearances and embrace the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.
In conclusion, “Autsie” is a touching film of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of empathy. The film calls for audiences to practice compassion and understanding through its compelling narrative and heartfelt performance. It reminds us that true beauty lies in embracing our differences and celebrating the unique melody that each of us brings to the symphony of life.
Short Films
Chaara: Human Relationship With Food
Drawing inspiration from real-life occurrences, Adarsh Gupta’s bold and thought-provoking short film, Chaara explores the relationship between humanity and food, and the potentially profound consequences it can yield.
How often do we skip homemade meals for the so-called delicacies from our favourite restaurants? Most people often skip dal-rice meals for that finger-licking mutton biryani everyone so loves. Drawing inspiration from real-life occurrences, Adarsh Gupta’s bold and thought-provoking short film, Chaara explores the relationship between humanity and food, and the potentially profound consequences it can yield.
Plot
Set against the backdrop of contemporary society, Adarsh Gupta’s 13-minute short film stars Alam Khan and Yashi Singh in a cinematic masterpiece that has won National and International awards. The film opens with the sight of a street dog probably being lured to food. This serves as a grim reminder of the very unsettling and infamous reports of canine meat finding its way into local Indian eateries. What doesn’t seem to be important is a commentary on Indian food habits and everyday circumstances.
The film unfolds as Sushil Kumar (Alam Khan) wakes up to his wife cooking a fresh meal for the day. However, he ends up choosing leftover scraps for breakfast solely because of his non-vegetarian eating preferences. The film portrays a repetition of the same incident at lunch. Sushil yet again chooses to order meat for himself and skips the lunch his wife made for him.
For dinner, Alam Khan is yet again seen craving biryani and plans a sweet hang-out with his wife around it. The hangout starts with short a doctor’s visit which is followed up by eating street food and shopping. But this hangout is interrupted by Sushil getting a call from work. As Sushil leaves his wife alone for a while to attend his work calls, his wife runs into an incident that scars Sushil and probably his eating habits too.
Chaara: A Story About Cannibalism
Cannibalism is a common term for researchers globally. However, for ordinary individuals navigating their daily lives, the notion remains unfathomable. Through Gupta’s nuanced storytelling, the film captures the subtleties of food habits. It serves as a poignant reminder of how easily we can become blinded by our dietary habits, oblivious to the unsettling realities unfolding around us.
Adarsh Gupta’s short film, Chaara serves as a poignant reminder of the impact our dietary choices can have on our perception of the world. The film highlights the underlying complexities of human behaviour, prompting us to confront uncomfortable truths and reassess our perspectives. It has the power to provoke introspection and inspire change. It urges viewers to look and think beyond the familiar lines and assess a deeper understanding of humanity.
Short Films
Chaitra: A Film to Remind You to Be Kind to Others
Directed by Kranti Kanadé, Chaitra, a National Award winning, 20-minute-long short film based on a story by G.A. Kulkarni, tells a tale of how kindness precedes every other feeling.
To be kind is one of the most common sayings we hear growing up but end up looking past it most of the time. These are more than just sayings, found in various ways in Indian oral folktales, stories, poems, history, religious teachings, etc. Directed by Kranti Kanadé, Chaitra, a National Award-winning, 20-minute-long short film based on a story by G.A. Kulkarni, tells a tale of how kindness precedes every other feeling.
Plot
The film opens highlighting the celebration of Haldi-Kumkum, a Maharashtrian festival that falls in the month of Chaitra. During this period, married women of the village gathered in a social setting to celebrate. While the festival serves no religious or spiritual importance, it is a means for economically weaker families to sustain their food requirements for a certain period. The film explores the core of the village, highlighting the significant difference in riches between the opulent and the less fortunate. The Naik Palace stands tall, a symbol of affluence, where perhaps one of the most lavish celebrations in the village takes place. However, this opulence only adds to the pain for the protagonist, Sonali Kulkarni, as she is reminded of her social status, facing derogatory comments and disdainful looks.
Once a place of celebration, the Naik Palace became a home of insults, highlighting the glaring class divides. Despite the possibility of losing a significant amount of her small wealth, the protagonist struggles to deal with this insult. Her challenge is the moving force behind the movie. This emphasizes the importance of compassion prevailing over difficult circumstances. Even though she is humiliated at the Haldi-Kumkum festival, Sonali Kulkarni makes sure that her guests are welcomed and respected. She goes beyond the differences in wealth, creating a space where joy and celebration can flourish without having to be limited by money.
The Take-Away: Chaitra
As the story progresses, Chaitra turns into a story of uncompromising humanity. In the face of hardship and injustice in society, Sonali Kulkarni’s character emerges as an icon of kindness. Her acts of kindness, driven by humility and compassion, go beyond economic constraints. The significance of establishing these values in the next generation is repeatedly highlighted throughout the movie. Sonali Kulkarni values her son’s generosity and sensitivity more than materialistic figures. She envisions a future where her son, growing up in a backdrop of socioeconomic differences, prioritizes kindness over dividing calculations.
While the film packs sweet, deep and thought-provoking ideas, it also portrays everything with utmost simplicity. This captures the real essence of the lives of Maharashtrian women celebrating in simplicity and kindness. Kranti Kanadé’s Chaitra serves as an encouraging message that, regardless of difficulties, true happiness lies in cultivating connections through kindness and humility.
Short Films
Taxi Driver: A Tale of Acknowledging Local Connoisseurs
Tathagata Singha’s 4-minute-long short film, Taxi Driver, is a light hearted fun tale that encapsulates the true essence of living.
Technology has turned our lives around making us dependent on it. In the process of easing out of our lives, we’ve lost the charm of living in and with the moment. Tathagata Singha’s 4-minute-long short film, Taxi Driver, encapsulates the true essence of living. The essence is not restricted to internet or network availability but the essence that is gathered with years of life.
Plot
The film opens with a couple directing the taxi driver (Surendra Rajan) to follow the digital map they were referring to. On the other hand, the taxi driver recommends another route which he knows better. This turns into a light-hearted conversation where both parties are confident about their references. The couple then follows up this conversation with a challenge for the taxi driver: they blindfold Surendra Rajan and task him with guessing the places they take him to. The film presents a contrast between the generations taking part in the movie. It serves as a commentary on the present youth and technology.
The Taxi Driver: Having Faith in Your Instincts and Lived Experiences
Both the opposite personalities that Tathagata Singha portrays highlight the stark difference that one can find in the two generations. While one is always taking a leap of faith and managing to live to the fullest, the other is constantly worried about the predominant availability. Although the internet and digital maps have made life easier, it does not have to demand absolute thoughtlessness.
Alongside this, we as a youth trust technology blindly. Interestingly, the taxi driver trusts his instincts blindly. What’s even more interesting to the viewers is that his instincts were not only correct but also delightful. They make you smile with him and live in his moment, walk the streets he describes and crave the crispy jalebis he sweetly describes.
The taxi driver’s knowledge of the city is not limited to the number of streets and kilometres. He serves as a more knowledgeable version of Bombay’s map. With his years of driving and living in the city, he is aware of the city’s history and culture. This culture resides in him and guides his path across the city.
The film is about acknowledging the talent that locals around us have acquired over the years. The true connoisseurs who live with us are far more informed about the itty-bitty of their surroundings than any new-age digital creation. In the process of evolving into modernity every day, we should not forget the loving hearts who have brought us this far.
Short Films
TAMAS: Are You Ready To Accept Me?
Accepting change can be harder than you think. And who can understand it better than the members of the LGBTQ+ community? TAMAS brings to light one such tale.
Change is the only constant in life is an age-old saying. But just because it is the only constant doesn’t mean it is any easier just like life. Any change is hard to process so imagine one that requires you to question your entire existence the way you know it. An everyday struggle for anyone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community. A struggle that can only be resolved with acceptance. A sort of acceptance that only comes with knowledge. Sadly, not everyone in our society is privy to this knowledge. TAMAS: From Ritika To Ritwik captures this beautifully in their short documentary film.
TAMAS: A Closer Look
Directed by Rajkishore Mohapatra, TAMAS is a short documentary film of about 13 minutes, following the journey of Ritika to Ritwik. With pride marches and queer affirmative therapy, you might think that our society is finally taking a step towards understanding the members of the LGBTQ+ community. And that is exactly when TAMAS throws the bucket of ice-cold water of reality on your face.
What stands out the most in the film is that it’s not the typical film showing a queer person navigating their way through life while the entire society including their parents throw stones at them. Sure, there was a phase where Ritika’s (now Ritwik) parents found it hard to accept such a change. But they never put any change above their child. And by doing so they showed the entire world how it’s both the person figuring out their sexual orientation and their guardians can navigate this change together and not give up on each other.
The brilliant camerawork beautifully captured the struggles and pain that Ritika (now Ritwik) endured while they were still figuring out their true identity. From using various imageries like footsteps slowly making their way into the sea to a small child crying in agony to a burning landscape in the background with a constant tensed flute melody playing in the back through it all, Mohapatra managed to capture each mood and emotion without a glitch. The best part about the entire film is how it manages to move you with so many emotions without even showing the faces of any of the people featured in the documentary. This clearly shows the beauty of the director’s clear planning and precise execution.
Afterword
Going through your entire life as someone, only to realise that it’s not truly you, is not something one can easily digest and move on from. Even in 2023, where information is available at the tips of our fingers, many people like Ritwik are still struggling with their identity because of a lack of awareness about the LGBTQ+ community. By being one of the youngest people in the state of Odisha to undergo a gender change surgery, Ritwik becomes a source of inspiration for many such struggling youth. And through his tale captured in TAMAS he is sure to inspire many more.
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