On a seemingly regular afternoon, a man exploits a hapless chaat-seller along a roadside, as two school-girls discuss a recent accident that had taken place near-by. While the former exchange can still fall within the boundaries of a mundane encounter, defined by stinginess and helplessness, the mention of the accident hints at something darker unfolding simultaneously. 

The film’s world-building thereafter remains gradual, marked by an eeriness that is aided greatly by a careful choice of the background score, as well as a crucial, strong performance by Akhilendra Mishra. 

With the progression of the story, the protagonist continues to stumble across crisp notes of twenty rupees as he continues on his path. Unable to look away, he finds them in a murky pool of water or in obscure spots high up in the air. Despite frantic calls from his impatient daughter, he still refuses to focus on the path, until he reaches a point from where there is no turning back. The journey thus mapped out by the narrative is engaging, involving, and at last, deeply shocking.

Bārāt | Short Film of the Month

Bhaag Chand is a fortune teller in Delhi, where he struggles to make ends meet. He is unable to send money home to his family, sneakily hides from his landlord who would ask for the long overdue rent, and as a result, finds himself consumed by despondency and desperation. His one true friend and supporter through all the hardship is Jaggi, a man who sells lottery tickets right next to Bhaag Chand’s spot in the park. 

One day, when Bhaag Chand manages to convert a chance encounter with strangers into a lucrative opportunity, things truly begin to look up for him. With a little cunning and presence of mind, he turns his fortune around, finally paying the rent on time and all his other dues. However, success in one’s endeavors can often prove to be a slippery slope, and before you can even realise, you have reached the point of no return in your hubris. This becomes the underlying message of the film. 

The writing, alongside the portrayal and performance of its protagonist, becomes a notable strength of the end result, even if a slight laxness appears within the sound department. As for Bhaag Chand, a development awaits that would take him right into the heart of an unexpected series of events, shocking the audience as well in the process.

Aaj Ka Raashifal | Spotlight

The film's title, Aandhali Maashi, translates to 'blind fly', setting its philosophical premise for the viewer. One of the first few shots, once it opens, are that of a swarm of flies hovering above a floating body in water which is coupled with the idea of blindness conjured by the title, to further pronounce the film's intentions with this image. The narrative, marked by a poetic voice, talks of greed, the acts of violence it can lead to and perhaps even a suggestion of the consequent guilt. The approach adopted for the same is experimental and requires viewer's full attention to peel off all the layers of the plot. Additionally, the film exhibits a dedicated use of its limited resources to share its story and bring all its intention to life on screen.

Aandhali Maashi | Short Film Nominee

What are the extents to which greed can drive a man? The first instalment of Dhoort is the story of
three friends who have big ambitions. With big businesses going for a toss in the pandemic-imposed
lockdown they see it as an opportunity to create a level-playing field. They chance upon a bag of gold
which belongs to a smuggler and decide to sell it to start their own business. The smuggler is an old lord
and will reclaim what’s his at any cost. With the gold in sight, greed and deceit begins to enter the
friendship as each one wants to flee with the gold. The answers will be found in the sequel.

Dhoort | Short Film Nominee

It is the story of a young business owner, Rajat, who cares for no one or nothing except money. From
the very first scene itself, he makes that abundantly clear. A new deadly virus has plagued the world,
and Rajat has to find the means to win over the virus. The way the plot builds him up as an anti-hero, it
is foreseeable that his greed is going to lead to his death. Money Abhadra uses the moral fable narrative. The
exciting part of the film is that the actor playing Rajat plays many roles in it.

Money Abhadra | Short Film Nominee

Afterpast is an alternate music video based on a song by the independent rapper, Prabhdeep. The
video offers a take on the nationwide lockdown imposed as a result of the global pandemic and aims
to illustrate relatability in the time of Covid-19. The message of the video is to draw from the lessons
of human greed that have brought us to this plight, and to promote a reformed future. 
However, the images seem dull and stationary juxtaposed against the artist's fervent music and lyrics.

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