The film, based on a short story of the same name by Anton Chekov, opens with a fairly unusual request - a man asking a woman to take off her shirt and come to him. Though at first glance the dialog and action might seem of a sexual nature, the idea is fully subverted as we are introduced to clinical movements of eyes and fingers that are more interested in the anatomical aspects of the female body. The same action becomes an accurate introduction to Abhay and Anyuta’s little world of this one-room house, as well as their relationship. 

An intrinsic quietness defines the film, and the spatial realities it conjures. The namesake character remains a mute observer, at best only accepting the instructions handed out to her by the indifferent Abhay. There is also something to be said about the damaging patterns that we are doomed to repeat no matter how harmful they may be. As the two characters live out their relationship, the narrative endeavors an atmospheric, immersive space for the viewer in its world, portraying all of this with thoughtfulness.

Anyuta | Short Film Nominee

‘Sweven’, a narrative marked less by verbal exchanges and more by visual drama, is a story of a man’s interactions with dreams and nightmares. As sleep bleeds into waking life, the film comes into existence. It is marked by notable pacing and a smooth edit that allows it to put forth its intentions in an unmissable manner. 

Additionally, a sense of suspense, violence and the overwhelming unknown are roped in to enhance the story, while also keeping the viewer engaged throughout. It would be interesting to see the short film expanded into a longer narrative, with the current project simply serving as a premise, taking us deeper into the protagonist's disconcerting reality.

Sweven | Short Film Nominee

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 in an arbitrary universe of unrelated things and characters, complete with surreal images of open fields and unlikely sheepherders. The circuitous path eventually takes us to the protagonist, Yaduk, who has a thing or two to say about intellect and mediocrity. 
In the process, the film makes an unequivocal comment about the burden of awareness. It presents a thought in a distinct style, drawing inspiration from drama-comedies of a similar suit, but roping in its own individual voice to portray it all. The narrative establishes a premise, and shares its views on intellect and its relationship with lesser pursuits; it is a welcome prospect to see a longer exploration of the same storytelling style. It would allow future projects to surpass their existing potential.

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