With the growing adaption of the Internet, people have increasing access to original content. At a time when slow Internet or lack of time makes viewing a two-hour movie online unfeasible, short films are increasingly attracting more viewers and have become a popular medium for storytellers. These are made with a singular focus to tell a compelling story and that too in less than half the time and with a fraction of the budget for a feature film. Short films are also a playground for budding filmmakers to come and showcase their talent and skills before moving on to the big league. This edition, Corporate Citizen presents the most must see Indian short films of the decade
The most fascinating quality about short films is that even they are short, they are hard-hitting and stay with you much longer than traditional formats of films. They also make you think hard about the world around you and the choices you make. Quite frankly, there is nothing quite like a short film.
Director : Jaydeep Sarkar
Starring : Konkona Sen Sharma, Tillotama Shome
Link :https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=L1TTNOBbN2k
Nayantara's Necklace, starring Konkona Sen Sharma, Tillotama Shome & Gulshan Devaiah, is the story of 'an accidental friendship between two of the unlikeliest characters and the twist and turns it takes as their relationship develops'. It would shake you, jolt you and leave you wondering about life. Directed by Jaydeep Sarkar, (the writer behind films like Khoya Khoya Chand, Shaurya & Tera Kya HogaJohhny) and with a duration of just under 20 minutes, Nayantara's Necklace captures the beauty of everyday life, the dynamics of female friendship and the hypocrisy of image-making.
Director : Adi Burman
Starring :Sahil Rewale
Link : https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=KAJPgwfGv60
Directed by Adi Burman this short tells the story of an orphaned boy, Ranu, who lost his parents in a bomb blast. Driven by hunger, he roams around in the streets of Mumbai and the story leads us to the dark side of the metro city through his perspective. The film acts as a mirror to society, stripping aside the glitz and glamour of maximum city and revealing the true nature of the urban jungle.
Director : Amit Kumar
Starring : Irrfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Link : https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=NCRBY9ss-58
At a bypass somewhere in Rajasthan, two violent muggers meet a corrupt police officer but there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. In a nutshell, this is the story of Bypass, a 2003 short film. Yes, it's an old one but the list of India's best short films would go incomplete without the mention of the movie that packs both Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Irrfan Khan in one frame, even before they became famous! But fair warning, this film is not exactly the heart-warming kind.
Director : Anurag kashyap
Starring : Radhika Apte
Link : https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=AQR6cB1DXzY
Made under Large Short Films by Anurag Kashyap and starring actress Radhika Apte in the lead role, this short focuses on the issue of eve teasing and molestation. Anurag Kashyap whose flair lies in narrating gritty realities of the modern world, provides the viewer with lots of grey characters. Written by Nitin Bharadwaj, the film keeps you glued Bypass till the end.
Director : Sujoy Ghosh
Starring : Soumitra Chatterjee, Radhika Apte,
Tota Roy Chowdhury
Link : https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=Ff82XtV78xo
The much-anticipated short film Ahalya by Sujoy Ghosh is an excellent watch because of the way it's been made, rather than the twist in the end. The film, which is produced by Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films, stars the legendary Soumitra Chatterjee, Radhika Apte and Tota Roy Chowdhury. The film is a modern day retelling of the mythological tale of Ahalya (Played masterfully by the very talented Radhika Apte), but with a feminist twist. Watch it for the subtle poke at patriarchy that the movie takes.
These movies are available to watch for free on You tube. The next time you have 15 minutes to spare, you know what to do!
By Neeraj Varty
