As Chitaangya toils away in a field after having been forced to drop out of school by his father, Pashya makes his way to him in a rush. Pashya has very important news for his friend. Chitaangya’s love interest has left the village and moved to the city. Before he dismisses the news, Pashya also informs him that she has left a letter for him. 

What follows next is an endearing and amusing story of procuring a mobile phone, evading parental authority, and somehow still managing to follow a strict father’s orders, all in pursuit of love. All of this is marked by a strong portrayal and performance of the protagonist. However, right before its conclusion, a crucial development totally reverses the tonality, as well as the fate of the protagonist. The storytelling evidences thoughtfulness and attention to emotion. The same approach would be enhanced further if a longer project were attempted in the same vein.

Virah | Spotlight

A man dotes on his partner, and his feelings are returned in equal measure. As the two of them step out for a weekend visit to the local market, a story of a relationship clearly marked by devotion and happiness is presented to the viewer. He may have ensured that his mother does not speak to her, but this moment is not one of tension weighing down upon their outing. They move from one shop to another, truly enjoying each other's company, when a strange development throws the protagonist fully off balance. 

In the ensuing progression of events, things are made more clear to the viewer, even if not to the man himself. The most notable aspect of the film is the performance and the chemistry of its actors, which ensures that the viewer remains interested in their fate till the conclusion. As for the story itself, a disturbing revelation awaits within it, but one which never reaches the protagonist.

Maya | Spotlight

‘Shrey’ takes the viewer into a tense moment right after the story opens. Even before any action unfolds, the background score ensures that the viewer is never at ease, making it one of the most notable aspects of the film. 

The film progresses to introduce us to Tamas and Prabhas. While both consider themselves aspiring authors, there is a clear power dynamic that exists between the two, irrespective of the many shared cups of tea and cigarettes. The younger Tamas presents a protege/assistant relationship with the older, more experienced Prabhas, a relationship that has been in existence for the last two years. Surrounding this are a myriad more elements all fraught with different kinds of anxieties - a failed marriage, a father’s passing, familial conflict, a mountain of lies, and most importantly, the desperation and unwavering dream to become a published writer. 

The narrative does a skilled job of exploring all of this, and some more. The performances and the shared chemistry between the two actors ensure that the numerous complexities are allowed a fitting portrayal. Though a few limitations of resources appear in terms of the visuals, the storytelling triumphs over them.

Shrey | Spotlight

The film is a lighthearted glimpse into the many complexities of two men figuring out their respective romantic relationships, and both having found the same tool to employ here - Taylor Swift. Through their struggle to understand and pretend their identities as Swifties, the narrative comes into existence. 
The subsequent story is an earnest, endearing rambling of two young men and their uncertainties, doubts, and fears when it comes to the women in their lives, Yamini and Avantika. Though we never see them on screen, the women constantly influence this conversation, eventually leading this buddy film-esque narrative home, keeping its tonality steadfast. Overlooking very slightly rough edges in the sound department, the screenplay remains seamless and efficient, as does the tying of insightful ideas with popular culture. This, in turn, results in a perfect nexus and representation of contemporary relationships and their nuances.

(Taylor's Version) | Spotlight

The documentary presents a world of scores and scores of clocks at first glance, and then introduces us to the man behind this fascinating collection, Anil Bhalla. 
 
Seventy-nine-year-old Mr Bhalla is an avid collector of not only clocks but also bikes and cars. Sometimes aided by his son, he nurtures his love for his collection, which was sparked off when his grandfather first brought back three clocks from overseas many decades ago. Presently, his collection stands at over 650 clocks. 

The short film weaves its screenplay with skill and care, presenting meaningful visuals that give a glimpse into all of these aspects of Mr Bhalla’s life. They are seamlessly tied with very intimate philosophies and beliefs. Though the narrative struggles to maintain its thematic concerns, moving from one object to another, and from an external activity to an internal journey of loss, it nevertheless presents a memorable protagonist and an insightful look into a life where each object holds immense significance.

As Time Goes By | Spotlight

The film opens with a mellow scene of a grandfather teaching a child about the values that shaped and built the life he leads now in a village of Maharashtra. The story then progresses to introduce the viewer to the child’s father, Namya. 

As each character is gradually introduced, a story develops with a conflict at its heart that is becoming increasingly common in our contemporary reality. Builders from Pune want to acquire more and more agricultural land, often by pressuring and arm-twisting the local farmers, and turn the fields into buildings of cement and concrete. 

By portraying two father-son equations, of Tatya and Ganga, and Namya and his Appa, the film explores the many anxieties and tensions that define this situation. The performances remain steadfast throughout, alongside skilled visuals that bring these ideas and relationships to life. The story further ropes in drama, punctuated with a little humor every now and then, to share all of this with audiences, finally concluding with an important social message.

Varasa | Spotlight

Trigger Warning: violence, assault, lynching 

The film presents a hard-hitting comment on society, and the violence and cruelty humankind is capable of. The narrative starts in a seemingly harmless manner, with a tone defined by sibling banter and exchange. The older brother lives in the city, and now, as he visits his village, he shares his experiences with his sister. The mood, however, darkens very swiftly as a group of young men begin to notice them, assuming them to be a romantic couple. As they draw more and more attention to this unsuspecting duo, a terribly brutal reality unfolds, which is portrayed with skill and strong performances. The screenplay conjures visuals which are sure to stay with the viewer for a long time. The film’s story models itself on a real-life incident to drive home the message about the brutal nature of mob violence, and the sadism that remains inherent to it.

Omanuh | Spotlight

The entirety of the story is the protagonist, Shini’s monologue, as she reflects on the idea of memory and the passage of time. Central to the narrative is a camera, which comes to play an important role in all of this. 
As Shini watches other people disregard her presence, until she eventually forces them together within the same frame, a memory is frozen in time. In the process, the film further becomes a rumination on an important contrast between the past and the present, a contrast that pertains not simply to the protagonist, but also, and very visibly so, to her surroundings. The same is achieved with visuals that show skill, and a screenplay that supports it in the same manner.

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