Based on a short story by Ruskin Bond, The Black Cat by Bhargav Saikia portrays an interesting turn of events starting from a day in Bond's life. Played by Tom Alter, Bond comes in possession of a broomstick which is soon accompanied by a black cat turning up at his doorstep. His misadventures with the kitty keep the audience involved, while also invoking a sense of sympathy for the harried writer. Soon after a Ms. Bellows follows, claiming the cat to be hers, and our protagonist is more than grateful to hand over the kitty to his unusual guest. The narrative offers interesting characters in the form of both Alter as Bond and Shernaz Patel as Ms. Bellows. The beautiful camera angles lend an otherworldly quality to the film, equally supported by an eerie soundtrack. Along with Anglican influences in the form of costumes, language and the general lifestyle, The Black Cat also possesses an element of the supernatural, characteristic of much of Bond's writing. This is achieved by elegant special effects which, when coupled with a seamless edit and sophisticated visuals, make the film a thrilling watch.

The Black Cat | Tom Alter | Short Film of the Day

Enter a cafe where two lovers meet after thirty years. However, they're not alone during this meeting, they have also carried with them the memory of their last meeting from all these years ago. The short film possesses a dreamy execution of what otherwise might have been an ordinary script and storyline. It is heart-warming and instills a sense of hope in the viewer. The chemistry between Naseeruddin Shah and Shernaz Patel is one of its strengths and deserves a special mention. Furthermore, it employs a thespian treatment of the narrative, and as the events unfold, evokes a sense of a theatrical performance. The film, therefore, becomes a wholesome product complete with expert performances and wonderful storytelling that would leave the viewer feeling fulfilled.

Interior Cafe Night | Short Film of the Day

Radhika Apte shines brilliantly in the captivating 'Bold is Beautiful' short film series by Myntra. Unearthing an old piece of art is worth it if it conveys a message as relevant as this one. Shaheen, played by Apte, is a professional who is clearly great at her job, but her pregnancy is what concerns her colleagues more than her work. In a society, that equates pregnancy with being disabled, or as an angry Shaheen calls it, "handicapped", The Calling makes a much needed comment about the manner in which women are viewed as professionals. No, pregnancy doesn't mean end of their career and the short film ensures that this message is conveyed in the most emphatic manner.

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