Short Films
What If Life Comes With An “Exchange Offer”?
“Exchange offer” is a tale of reluctance in adapting to the transience of the society and firm eradication of that to witness a merry ending.
Evolution and changeability is the elixir of life, failing to acquire them you’re left in a space of monotonous and humdrum life. The protagonist of the short film Shiv Kumar Pant is a retired school principal who is stuck in a similar situation. Living with his caretaker Bisveswar in the absence of his son who is settled in California and his wife’s humble abode being heaven he spends his time in isolation. To leap the numbers on the clock he scribbles poetry on his old computer. The set-up of a grand library also suggests him to be an avid reader and is also characterized in an old school tone who keeps technology’s influence at bay.
The turn of events happen when the only source of his entertainment is cut off, a computer glitch gives the story its rising action. He communicates the glitch to his son which suggests of a replacement first and then finally agrees upon contacting the company. The protagonist, by now, has been portrayed in an exasperated mood. Also, the disinclination of the protagonist in replacing the computer reflects upon the primary theme of the short film. However, in response to the complaint an engineer from the company is sent which to the disappointment reveals that the computer cannot be repaired since it’s an outdated model. Setting the climax the engineer returns with an “exchange offer”. Will the exchange offer bring around a positive spin about the small isolated globe of the protagonist’s life? Will the offer bring home some spectacular nostalgia and redeem the protagonist’s vivacity?
Revealing any further would be stabbing the curiosity built through the plot. The title being an extended metaphor for the contrast between the character’s life in the beginning and in the end, the 30 minutes short film will dig up the zeal to introspect and circumspect your own self.
Short Films
ADHD: A Much Needed Awareness
ADHD doesn’t shy away from highlighting how people in India to this day and age still focus on the “mental” part of “mental health”.
ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a disorder that is pretty common and manageable. But what is not common is it getting diagnosed in India. And the reason is not because it is hard to diagnose. Rather the lack of awareness about this condition and mental health in general in India is what contributes to the higher percentage of it being undiagnosed. The short film ADHD highlights this beautifully.
ADHD: A Closer Look
In about 22mins, the short film, ADHD manages to capture the audience’s attention. And it’s all due to the way the storyline is executed. Having a star-studded cast helps in gaining attention, but it’s the storyline that takes the story forward. And the creators of this film, Shipra Arora, and Shivankar Arora managed to do just that by nailing it with a strong driving storyline.
The film did stand out in certain aspects that ensured that it carried the theme of spreading awareness, such as the narrator who is also a pivotal character in the story, breaking the fourth wall now and then. By using various scenarios from everyday life, like failing to wake up early, getting distracted easily by small objects while studying, and feeling overwhelmed, each scenario though seems small carries with them a layer of what ADHD looks like. And thus, help us understand the depth and complexity of this mental health illness better.
ADHD doesn’t shy away from highlighting how people in India to this day and age still focus on the “mental” part of “mental health”. They made an impact by not shying away from shedding light on this painful reality of digital India that otherwise would have continued to remain in the dark shrouded by the thin veil of social media mental health wokeness that only targets certain age groups of people. Not being as well-covered as mental health topics like depression and anxiety, ADHD demands people’s attention to the topic as it’s not as common as one may assume it to be.
Afterword
The brilliant acting with a strong storyline is what makes ADHD a must-watch for any short film buff. Anyone looking to create more awareness about mental health, especially ADHD should really consider broadcasting this video to help communicate the message better.
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.
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