When the Covid-19 lockdown hit India, it did not simply alter our reality and confined us indoors, but also led to great economic and financial adversity for those whose profession depended on stepping out and interacting with others. The short film is an attempt to bring to life one such story of tribulations by choosing a clown as its protagonist whose sole source of income was performing at birthday parties and making little children laugh. However, now he finds himself located in a far darker world which is defined by constant distress, substance abuse and the threat of addiction. Amidst it all, will he be able to find his way back to those who he loves and needs?

The Party Popper | Lockdown Film Challenge

Paytaan translates to a derogatory form of the word 'footwear'. The title of the film thus sets the horizon of expectation for you. Its intentions become more clear as we realize our protagonist is a little child, the son of a cobbler, who is tired of his peers teasing him as the "Emperor of Soles". As we go deeper into his reality, we are introduced to more obstacles that he faces within the span of only a single day. From dismissal, rejection of his truth, to mockery and denial of basic respect for his family, he battles it all. For a child who may have hardly had the chance to learn about the ways of the adult-world, all of these emotions acquire overwhelming proportions until they take the form of an irrevocable action. It is then these progression of events that come to form the body of the film, presenting itself to you to interact with.

Paytaan | Short Film Nominee

Narrated entirely from the point of view of the protagonist, the short film is the story of a man who finds himself stuck in a mundane rut. As he struggles to keep up with professional pressures, demands and expectations, an important realization awaits him. There is also a comment about change to be made within the folds of the plot. Though the film could have gained from a tighter control on its lighting, it aspires to tell a story, and to that goal it dedicates itself fully. A solo project, Transition leaves the door open for more similar endeavors attempting to share the young storyteller's insight on life.

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