Fleeting But Resonating : Indian Short Films You Ought Not Miss
By
AshVenu
| over 5 years
ago
Short yet powerful. Just like an impulse, they sweep in and
leave before you know it. Short films are the most powerful medium of communication.
The makers of these movies are extremely talented; enough to optimize and tell
a story crisp, quick and clear and send across an imagery in a span of few
minutes.
Here are some short films of Indian origin that you should
sit up and take notice of.
1. Nilam
The movie with minimum dialogues is a very ‘short’ short film of around 4
minutes. Enacted by talented actress Sajitha Madathil, it helps raise voice for
women friendly toilets in the public. As highlighted at beginning of the movie,
it is based on an everyday issues faced by 'n' number of women. Subtle, yet
powerful, the message communicated by the movie resonates in us, driving us to
initiate a change.
2. Kelkunundo
Geethu Mohandas created this wonderful movie following a sweet four year old,
who is visually impaired. Watching the movie, we quickly fall into the
perspective of Hasna, and perceive the world just like her. The theme is
urbanization and its impacts, but our focus tunes into Hasna’s small world, and
we feel only the pangs that vibrate in her small world too.
3. Ahalya
This is a Bengali short film that retells the classic story of Mahabharatha
character ‘Ahalya’. Radhika Apte plays the title role. Her beauty enchants
people, and curious pursuers ends up trapped in wooden dolls. Ironically, an
officer Indra crosses path with Ahalya, the young wife of an old man alleged to
dabble in black magic. The old man uses his wife’s beauty to trap the young men
who fall for her enchantment, and doom them to a life of captivity. This is one
thriller film that should be watched.
4. Burn My Body
Burn My Body is a powerful movie against necrophilia. Though it is not a topic
that is discussed enough, this movie valiantly brings it into light and sends
across the message loud and clear, that women are not safe even after death. It
is a coming of age movie that has definitely created a space of its own among highly
acclaimed short films. The movie stars our very own Nadirshah and Aparna Nair.
5. Pannaiyarum Padminium
This is a Tamil comedy short film, which later got recreated into a full length movie of the same title. The story features a landlord and his car Premier Padmini. The car is the villager's favorite, and everyone depends on the landlord and his car. Even later, when a stunning car arrives at the village, the Padmini still holds a place in the Landlord's mind. Indeed Old is Gold.
6. A Friday
The tension and stress that film-makers go through during the release days of
their films is something we audience seldom know about. The movie captures the
true feelings that an upcoming movie maker experiences and his elation on being
accepted by the public for his good work. The short film is sure to change
one’s perspective on movies. It urges us to see each movie as not a good or a
bad film, but as the fruit of hard work and creativity of a group of passionate
people. Surely after watching this eye-opener we will turn into empathetic film
viewers.
7. Ramaniyechi Yude Namathil
Two friends engage in a drunken discussion about things around them and finally one of them criticizes the other pulling in a reference to his wife. Later when they look on at a snake trapped in a well, the guy vents out his vengeance on the friend by pushing him into the well. Trapped with the snake, he is faced with the worst fear. Watch this film that keeps you at the edge of your seat for the whole duration of ten minutes.
8. Little Terrorist
This is an Oscar nominated short film that tells the story of Jamal who
accidently crosses the border to India from Pakistan while chasing after a ball
during a game of cricket. Jamal is sheltered briefly from the army by a local
elderly man and his niece in an Indian village. To pass off as a Brahmin and
avoid detection by the army, they shave off his hair and keep a traditional tuft.
Later by the shade of night they help him cross back to the safety of his
family. There develops a bond between the family and the boy, which transcends
all borders and differences decreed by men on themselves.
9. Last Train
Karthik Subbaraj made this English language short film, about a guy who tries to escape from the troubles of life, rather than confronting them. He blames himself for being a failure. When he waits to take the final journey of his life (literally) a guy passingly tells him him that there is nothing called a 'last train' in life, and if you miss an opportunity or fail at one, there will always be another chance. This creates a huge impression on him and ultimately he decides to walk back into life.
10. Positive
This is a short film by Farhan Akhtar on the life of an HIV patient and his family.
The father played by Boman Irani, was always aloof from the family. Later he is
infected by HIV and gets hospitalized. Though his son despises him, the wife,
Shabana Azmi urges the son to spend time with his ailing father. This creates a
bond between them like never before.
11. The Angel
Alphonse Puthran canned this short film with power packed fighting sequences that is familiar to all of us now. The excellent duo of Vijay Sethupathi and Bobby Simha put up a cop vs con show that is really mind blowing. Made as a tribute to valiant officers that sacrifice their lives to fight crime, this is a mini movie you must watch.
12. Kuttimaa
Krish is a modern guy and Kuttimaa is his grandmother, who can be easily one of the naughtiest adults alive. She is witty and her pranks drive Krish insane. He declares that he hates her, but when he comes back to meet her after a very long time, the vacation rekindles a bond between them. The short film was highly acclaimed, and as the director himself mentions, this movie portrays the lovely, almost Tom-and-Jerry relationship between Kuttimaa and her grandson.
Truly, small things come in wonderfully small packages. Many
directors and debutant film-makers are trying their hand in short film making.
This
is a good time for us -the audience to catch up on some really good work out
there.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The article do
not reflect the views of Filmelon. Filmelon does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
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