The Nullarbor

Director Allistor Lockhart can twist his mind. A not so dark short film set in Australia is about a long drive through a road that is as sinister as it is lonely. The longest, straightest, treeless stretch of desert road. Wanna ride?

Lallan Miya says, "cigarette peena sehat ke liye kharab hai...ab iisi short film ko dekh lo...bhaiya hamme toh bechni padti hai...paapi pet ka sawaal hai"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g__IOa2AeQ

DJI. Death Sails

The second in the series that I came across, Death Sails is a continuation of Death Fails. As funny as the first one and truly imaginative. Death in the film sucks at its job. The concept alone is hilarious. The execution and the music takes it to another level.
LAllan Miya says, "achha hai...aise hi sochte raho...aise hi entertain karte raho"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBmlLKzMA_s 

DJI. Death Fails

Written and Directed by Dmitri Voloshin, this is a funny short about how death fails. Yes. Literally death fails. The concept is imaginative. Good fun for a 3 min short animation film.

Lallan Miya says, "this is how you entertain...simple, short and actually watchable again..."

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAHtwrv9GhI

Cupidon

Created by Simon Bau, Clémentine Choplain, Marie Ecarlat, Benoît Huguet & Julien Soulage as their final project for school is a very imaginative and well written 3D animation short. What happens when the Cupid goofs up. And to cover his mistake, he cheats again. And that's why perhaps, love is blind.

Lallan Miya says, "pyar andha hota hai...hame madhuri pasand thi...madhuri ko sunil...sunil ko priya aur priya ko humse ishq tha..."


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pe0jFDPHkzo

Salt 'N' Pepper

Mohinder Pratap Singh writes and direst this short about a young girl (played by Tejaswani Kolhapure) who is about to commit suicide. Nawazuddin Siddiqui breaks into her home at the same time and a conversation about life, death and love follows. There is something aesthetically very beautiful about the subject and the way it is raised. However, the camera work and the pace of the film especially in the beginning is a let down. Kolhapure's delivery is flat. Nawaz, as usual manages to keep the interest though.

Lallan Miya says, "hamaari khaala kehti thi...anda banane ke time yaad rakho ki yeh anda hai...dal makhni nahi...issko zyaada pakaaoge toh hawaai chappal ki tarah chabaana padega....short film banane ke time pe ek baat hamesha yaad rakho...ki yeh short film hai"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nUAPIysIdE

Dum Dum Deega Deega

Ayush Kapur dances in the rain with this sweet little story. A beggar who beats up his kids and forces them to beg learns an important lesson in life from the most unusual teacher. Simple writing and easy tone. The acting is a bit bollywood but does not spoil the overall feel.

Lallan Miya says, "haath to humne bhi kissi ke aage nahi failaaya...lekin kuch mamlaat pechida hote hai...chahe toh bhi simplistic solutions se kaam nahi banta...haan short films ban jaati hai"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK6PfVJRlzg

Interview With An Applicant

Paul Del Vecchio visualizes this comedy short film about an applicant who turns out to be a bit too smart. Written by Martin Hill, the two characters keep you engaged with their performances and the clever writing is bound to crack you up. There's not much to talk about other technical aspects of the film but the little skit is just what you need if you are waiting for a meeting to begin and have time to kill.

Lallan Miya, "Naukri, chokri aur bus ke peeche kabhi mat bhaago...ek gayi toh doosri ayegi"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7W_qrc-TkR8

Is This Free?

Lauris Beinerts directed 'Is This Free?' is an entertaining short film. It's more like a social experiment except it isn't. Cleverly scripted, the screenplay keeps you engaged and entertained. It is good to see fresh thinking every once in a while.

Lallan Miya says, "ek baar ek bhaisaab aakar poonche "kya yeh jagah khaali hai?"....maine kahaa hamaare aankhon ke doctor bagal waali gali mein hi rehte hai...Lallan Miya ka naam le lena..discount bhi mil jayega...."


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxCWB47ZCLQ

I'm You, Dickhead

Lucas Testro directs this funny short film written by Larry Boxshall. It's a sci-fi where our man travels time to tell his younger self to learn guitar so that he can get laid in present. Bizarre turn of events unfold as the side-effect of time travel is two of him. And to add to the mayhem he travels again and again and again. A really funny film after a long time. Clever humour.

Lallan Miya says, "kal bhi aaj bhi, aaj bhi kal bhi...in yaadon ka safar toh ruke na kabhi"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAUjt7KWp9A

Bombay Mirror

Shlok Sharma writes and directs this dark short film. It really shows us the mirror. In times like these where you may assume you know someone, trust them to be your friends or well wishers, the truth is perhaps different. We are primal beings behaving/acting to be social. Watch it for the writing.

Lallan Miya says, "insaan janwar hai...insaan ki khaal ko utaar ke phenkne mein sirf ek pal, ek bahaane ki zaroorat hai...mauka mila nahi ki hum apni pe aa jaate hai"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc5erdvB-4Y&feature=youtu.be

The Gunfighter

David Kissack directs this hilarious story written by Kevin Tenglin. Pure drama. Pure imagination and a brilliant executional device- THE VOICE OVER. Yes. This film is narrated by the narrator who is the invisible character in the film. One who spills the beans. Changes the story. Leads it and twists it around at will. The characters fall prey to his dramatics and end up doing something drastic in the end. Watch it for the sheer cleverness in the writing and the unique narrative.

Lallan Miya says, "sabke apne apne raaz hote hai...ek baar humne daroga se kahaa tum ghoos khaate ho sabko bataa dunga...woh palat ke bola tum doodh mein paani milaate ho bol dunga sabko"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXfltmzRG-g 

Inside

Trevor Sands introduces you to a character that is many. The mind works in beautiful ways and actually has no boundaries. It can create, destroy, replicate basically do anything it wants. And when a troubled mind is put to work, mysterious paths emerge. The short has a logical flow in the story and ends with an unexpected twist. Watch it for the simple writing. See if your mind can guess what's gonna happen!

Lallan Miya says, "tumhi ho maata pita tumhi ho tumhi ho bandhu sakha tumhi ho...upar waala bhi multiple personality disorder ka shikaar hai...phir hum miya kis khet ki muli hai...ek baar begum ittraa ke boli...you are not the same...hum toh hass pade!"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjTOs1L3SBg

The Candidate

David Karlak directs this thriller adapted from Henry Slesar's original short story, The Candidate. The writing, top notch. The screenplay, impeccable. And the performances, sharp. I can't complain about anything except i just wanted to see more. Watch it if you are a Hitchcock fan. Henry Slesar wrote many of his thrillers.

Lallan Miya says, "durr se dekha toh kuch nahi tha...paas aake dekha toh wakai kuch nahi tha...suspense thriller woh jo suspense thriller ke kapde pahan ke nahi aata"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n-Xn7I6CMY

The First Hope

Jeremy David White travels back to the 80s. The firsts of many firsts happened then. This one though is about raging hormones and puppy love. It is confusing for a 12-13 year old, I reckon. Chemistry decides most of the decisions we make and actions are outrageous and magnanimous. There is no such thing as boundaries or half-measures. Beautiful writing and potent direction. Watch it for the old times.

Lallan Miya says, "rukna nahi jaanti....jab aati hai toh ghode pe sawaar ho aati hai jawaani"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmLUMMPnZF0

X is for XXL- ABCs of Death

Xavier Gens directs the X from ABCs of Death. It would be redundant to to use the term Gross for any of the films in the series. I see beauty in the writing. A fat girl decides to give up, or what it seems like give up and then comes back. I love the aesthetics in the writing.

Lallan Miya says, "musibat ko jadd se kaatne ki nayi misaal hai yeh ladki"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzA06hup85U

Z is for Zygote- ABCs of Death

Chris Nash directs this delicious depiction of death in the series- ABC's of death. I started with Z for some reason and now i 'll go backwards. And i will for sure. The writing is dark. Acting is subtle and the mood that a death film should set, sets. Google Zygote before you venture into this one.

Lallan Miya says, "zindagi maut na ban jaaye sambhaalon yaaro....ek puraani film thi 'Death becomes her' yeh uska mothered version hai"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sD7LhO-HZOI

When the world is done with you!

Jonathan Emmerling describes the day that i think every one has lived once. Post break-up, after losing a job, or after losing a big game of whichever sport or failing some exam or some such. But we have all lived it. We have at some point gone days or weeks or hours for some without speaking to anyone. And when you're young you have the audacity to not care about the world. That is the story. Very insightful. Loved it.

Lallan Miya says, "duniya wohi badal sakte hai jinko duniya ki parwaah nahi"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-QOYOXJin0

Stew

Steven Woodburn cooks up the memories of childhood which one wants to forget in one very deadly looking stew. We all have some memory of our favourite food from childhood. We also remember the stuff that we absolutely hated. And what if something was to trigger in your mouth the taste of that dreadful spinach bhaji or brinjal curry that you were forced to finish till the last morsel. Food can haunt you.

Lallan Miya says, "lauki ka salan aur chapaati...ya toh jail me milte honge ya phir jahaanum mein"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cM_stZJpos

How God Works

Matilda Brown believes in Karma. Karma is a bitch and so is the character in this short film. A self-obsessed, self-centered girl who is rude to strangers and insensitive to her own friend(played by the same woman) finally gets what's coming to her. You can watch it.

Lallan Miya says, "She had it coming... She had it coming... She had it coming... She had it coming... She had only herself to blame...And if you'd have been there, I bet you'd have done the same"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fguX0L6tv_I

Makeover

Don Percy writes and directs this light-hearted tale of two oldies looking for love. While the story is kinda predictable, it entertains. Music and performances keep you engaged and even if you know what's going to happen you want to see it happen. Overall nothing great but nice.

Lallan Miya says, "budhi ghoda...laal lagaam"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiAZ01dkcdc

A man walks into a bar

Sophie Lowe and Rhys Wakefield write and direct this comedy of errors. Error, actually. It shows the funny side of two people hooking up at a bar. It just shows how easy it is to hook up and yet how difficult it actually is. The acting is superb as both have casted themselves. And surely, they understand the script better than anyone.

Lallan Miya says, "maa ka laadla bigad gaya...maa ki laadli bhi bigad gayi"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNvNgB8DLhI

Sorry Baby

Lloyd and Spencer Harvey write and direct this hilarious drama about two lovers arguing. The spicy touch to the argument comes in when you realize a poor debt collector's life is dependent on which way the discussion goes. The drama is real and seriously funny. Watch it for the writing.

Lallan Miya says, " bhai aapki bhabhijaan ek hi kaafi hai...unse toh hum kabhi behes mein jeet nahi sake...phir yahaan toh do-do khatarnak ladies behes mein padi hai...khuda bachaye"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYQPtZJSE4I

Teaspoon

Aban Barucha writes and directs a very intense story of a housewife who is amongst other things also stuck with a paralytic father-in-law to take care of. The treatment of the film is mostly real and sensitive. However, the performances fail to look real and keep straying into the tv serial zone. If this is intentional to portray the influence of television in a housewife's life, then it is off mark. There are better ways to do it. To me a little subtle acting and more nuancing in the script could have done that to give a better short. But it is still worth a view.

Lallan Miya says, "agar bhonkna jaante hao...dhum hilaana jaante ho...toh phir gale mein ' I'm a dog ' ka board lagaane ki kya zaroorat? kehne ka matlab...subtle iijj nice"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmVPCnxN-1A&feature=youtu.be

Alarm

Jang Moo Hyun tells the story of the morning alarm as experienced by many of us. The Snooze-and-go-go-back-to-sleep game that all of us play every morning. The story builds up intrigue and the end is rewarding. Watch it if you are an early riser. Watch it if you hate waking up. Watch it you have more than one alarm clock.

Lallan Miya says, " hamaara morning alarm tha jhantoo...usko snooz pe nahi daal sakte...pakadne jao toh noch lega...waise bhi subah subah kaun murge ke peeche bhage?"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc-vINJmhNk

Connect

Samuel Abrahams takes you on a bus ride from mundane to wow! What starts off as a regular commute, with imagination and some bold initiative, turns into a sweet flirtatious tale. The beauty of this story is that the director knew exactly where to stop so as to keep it sweet. Nice music and subtle performances.

Lallan Miya says, "bholi aankhen ishaara nahi samajti...badmashi toh badmash karte hai"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paKNSYnTRCw

Alone

Brock Torunski creates a post-apocalyptic scenario where just one man survived. He does not know how or why. The story starts with a predictable tone and stays that way. I did not see anything new and unimaginable for the subject. It gives you the feeling that the director made this to look like a longish trailer for the sole purpose of demonstrating that he can make one.

Lallan Miya says, "ek baar hum bhi kitchen mein biryani banane ghus gaye...kuch thik nahi bani...begum boli agar banani hi thi toh chai bana lete...kum se kum peene layak toh hoti"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbTc81JmQTs

Pitch Black Heist

John Maclean writes and directs this intense story about two thieves. While preparing for the job they bond as mates as dudes. And on the day an unexpected twist reveals something grave enough to ditch for. Brilliant art, performances that lift the mood of the already gripping screenplay. Watch it for Liam Cunnimgham.

Lallan Miya says, "sona chandi heere moti sab pheeke pad jaate hai...BADLA jisse chahiye uske saamne toh rishtey bhi saste hai".


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXyve6G2onw

Two and Two

Babak Anvari uses a simple metaphor to explain how things work around the world. How easy it is to use force and make a right out of a wrong. Performances are impactful. Writing is genius. Watch this short to learn a very important lesson.

Lallan Miya says, "Sahi aur galat kuch nahi...jiski laathi, usiki bhais"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHAuGA7gqFU

The Ball

Katja Roberts creates an engaging narrative. The screenplay and the music hold you till the end in anticipation. But this short fails to deliver in the end. It's a cute story of how a boy met a girl. But that's what it is...it is an episode which is a one-off. So yes if you want to see the brilliant first episode of an amazing new series which ends with the first episode, watch this.

Lallan Miya says, "ham jab begum se pehli baar mile the toh hamne bhi unki jaan bachaayi thi...shukriya uss chipkali ka...jo canteen ki deewar per chad kar unpar hamla karne waali thi"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuzDzhbfwUs

Goldfish

Joe Wein brings us this hilarious cute little story about kids and how everything is different in their innocent worlds. Underlined is also the message of how we adults need to be careful about what we tell the kids about the world. I love the actors but the writing is the the real winner here. Musical punctuation, potent acting and one well put package. When you are a kid you have the courage to save the world; sadly, when you grow up you become smart.

Lallan Miya says, "building ke peeche ki khaadi mein ghanto mehnat karke choti choti fish hamne bhi pakdi hai...par phir pataa chala ki saale aadhe toh mainduck the..."


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9SbbppvKcE

Room 8

James W Griffiths won a Bafta for this short. Watch it and you'll know why. Amazing camera work and graphics to support the weirdness in the writing. One word to describe it is 'eery'. A six min sequence that will have thinking for a long while. Curiosity kills the cat, they say...sometimes just let it be.

Lallan Miya says, "teeter ke aage do teeter, teeter ke peeche do teeter, aage teeter, peeche teeter...bolo kitne teeter?"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJj_NMhYwf0

Donkey

Keir Burrows shows the mirror to the society. We will do absolutely anything to become popular. Take advantage of the disabled/challenged or even pretend to be them. Now c'mon haven't we all narrated a funny story that happened with someone else as our own. There is a subtle message for differently able people to think positive as well. And of course the brutal honesty about how each one of us is an ass when young.

Lallan Miya says, "ek ladka tha height me sabse kam...khaate hum sab the aur school ki bench saaf woh akela karta tha...aaj phone mila ke sorry keh detaa hoon"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctRP3b4NntM

Unread

Chakri Toleti says a lot in this silent short. A street rat who cannot read gets a written message from this girl who drives by every day. How would he respond? I feel if I call it a love story then it will diminish the feeling that it leaves you behind with. The musical narrative punctuated with text combined with B&W/sepia tones does remind you of Charlie Chaplin films but does not give you the feeling of it being copied.

Lallan Miya says, "ladakpan ka pyar yaani meetha ladeej paan...supaari geeli aur gulkand zyaada"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-RKh6zRBYk

Nayantara's Necklace

Jaydeep Sarkar shows how two ends of the pole meet at the end of a parabolic journey. Crisp and nuanced writing backed by brilliant performances by Konkana and Tillotama make this short engaging and rewarding in the end. Watch it for the brilliance.

Lallan Miya says, "kahaani achi hai...bhai pair toh itne hi failaane chahiye jitni lambi chaddar ho"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1TTNOBbN2k

Aai (mom)

Arup Dwivedi illustrates a mellow...nice ...sort of predictable story. The illustration style is interesting but not out-of-the-box. screenplay too is not surprising. But then this was titled mother's day special. Music is entertaining. Overall you can avoid this long short.

Lallan Miya says, " kehna hai toh kuch naya kaho...puraana parantha naye tawe pe garm karke na pesh karo".

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwLgXKHzaXQ

The last day

Adhiraj Bose shares this extremely short short film on 'Bromance'. Men don't have feelings or they don't know how to express. The dialogue evokes one of the above two cliches. The acting keeps it real. Also it's less than 4 minutes, so just watch it.

Lallan Miya says, "mard ko dard ...khair chodo yaar"


Idhar Dekh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czkIAM6wYEY

Bunny

Vasan Bala is a psychopath. And so are the protagonists of this short. Wait, I meant the antagonists. So that's the thing. This story plays a tug-of-war in your head. Both actors do justice to the mad script.

Lallan Miya says, "shuru mein inko dekh ke humdardi hui...phir toh daraa hi diya kasam se"

Idhar Dekh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=denCgypvoOE

R.I.P

Shlok Sharma takes us through a race for love. Two men who seek love race towards a prospect only to realize it wasn't meant to be after all. The Punjabi commentary make the whole ordeal hilarious. There is a twist in the end too. Watch for it.

Lallan Miya says, "abhi toh main jawaan hoon...abhi toh main jawaan hoon"


Idhar Dekh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pshtHXsvTWs

Cuddly

Karan Shetty takes you back to life when it used to be simple. A sweet conversation between a new age daughter and her mother. You will love this if you are expecting, a new parent or just about anyone who loves the simplicity of Indian lifestyle. Watch it for the writing.

Lallan Miya says, "dus mahine ho gaye hamaare sahaab zaade ko high-chair laaye lekin chote nawaab toh sirf huzoor ki godi mein baith ke baby food khaate hai"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxlujFhJUAo

Deuce

Chintan Ruparel takes a mother-son arguement and play it nicely over a ping-pong table. The arguement swings between the two from match point to advantage to deuce and repeat.
Good writing and subtle performances make the short more likable. The premise touches upon new-age family dynamics where we have started introducing our kids as his, mine and ours.

Lallan Miya says, "ummi ke saath behes toh hum roz karte the...aur jeet bhi jaate the...lekin aakhir mein jaan hota tha ki ammi ammi hai...aur bachu hum"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC1DgJUargs

Agli Baar

Devashish Makhija creates tense moments in this 7 minute intense short. I found myself mouthing, "What will happen next? Oh my god! Look behind! Hang up and run you idiot! "
Thoughtful camera work considering the film is video calls all the way. My only bone of contention with the film is the end. Perhaps all shorts need not conclude themselves.

Lallan Miya says, "bhai jigra toh hum bhi rakhte hai...par aisa tension mat do".

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPjLTucZq6Y&list=PLiSLpA52i2KgF9Hhw0z1h953ta3Neq-xU&index=3

The Mistake

Bryan Moses would give his arm to get out of an awkward situation. This short does remind the social outcast or the easily embarrassed one of all those. Bizarre is one word to describe the happenings in this 5 mins.

Lallan Miya says, "ek baar khaala ne daawat pe bulaaya tha...wahaan se bachne ke liye kaam ka bahaana banaya aur ghus gaya cinema hall mein...aur interval mein mil gayi.... poochon kaun?"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZI4MWGeW6U

Cargo

Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke should get the 'think different award' for this one. When was the last time you saw a zombie film end on a tear-jerking note. I have never seen comments like- this is what real fathers are made of' on Facebook under zombie videos. No wonder it made to the finalists of Tropest, Australia.

Lallan Miya says, "adhbhoot bhoot story"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gryenlQKTbE

Afterglow

Kaushal Oza takes us through a Parsi man's 'dusmu' (tenth day after death) in the sweetest love story ever. Brilliant acting, attention to detail in the true sense and music to the mood. A lovely story that will remind you of your true love moments. Must see.

Lallan Miya says, "Waah dikra...pyar ho toh aisa ho"

Idhar Dekh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f2ErhTh7QM

8

Acim Vasic from Serbia creates this funny story of rivalry set in an unknown wartime. It is classic Tom and Jerry, where you think one is winning and suddenly the other gains upper hand. The setting of a snow forest makes the humour colder.

Lallan Miya says, "tu tu main main toh hum bhi kiya karte the apni begum ke saath...aur kai baar bumb bhi phatte hai...lekin yeh kissa kuch alag hai"

Idhar Dekh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He9FeJZua20

Selfie

Ramchandra Gaonkar takes the early morning local straight to one's heart. A simple incident that teaches us to take things in a positive way. Acting is apt. The technicals deliver this short well.

Lallan Miya says, "yeh launda to bilkul hamaari kahaani bataa gaya....khud ko dekho khudki nazron se...phir duniya ki aisi ki taisi...  "

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOecHH44h5E

Cheers!

Piyush Raghani brews up a cup of fresh Darjeeling. Mother and son catch up after ages over a hot cuppa. Nice music and good actors do justice to the un-usualness of the situation. Refreshing.

Lallan Miya says, "bhai beta ho to aisa...poori bottle lekar aaya"  

Idhar Dekho:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOecHH44h5E

Happy Independence Day

Divyansh Pandit wishes all a happy independence day with a thriller with unexpected twists. Turns out that a car is following a girl>turns out that's only to return her bag that she left at a bus stop>turns out she is smarter and stronger and attacks the stalker>turns out the bag has explosives> turns out the girl deliberately planted it there> turns out she dies in the explosion and in the process injures the guy. The cabbie ends up being he only innocent victim. The only problem with the narrative is; for a thriller it drags and for a short thriller it's too long.

Lallan Miya says, "Koshish achi ki hai...lekin hamaari khaala kehti thi LAllan koshish koi yaad nahi rakhta...natijaa acha hona chahiye"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jrt8CXdOnKo

Bombay 70

Viraj Goradia raps a documentary on Naved Shaikh a.k.a. Naezy, slumboy from Mumbai. Narrated by the man himself, the story is about his transformation, society and his own community's view on him doing this for a living. It's an interesting watch and if you are from Mumbai it will strike a chord somewhere.

Lallan Miya says, "abbey yeh toh apnayich baccha hai....sabko dikhao bantaai...samjhe ki du ek rapaat!"

Idhar Dekho:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmC4elJcICA

Bapu

Abhishek Sengupta delivers a letter written 70 years ago by Bapu. Bapu's message for the youth of India is as relevant today as it was ever. The story is supported by good acting and the setting of Kolkatta takes you back in time. Overall the imagination touches you.

Lallan Miya says, "aajkal ke laundo ke liye fit hai...wohh to kuch saalon se peeche reh gaye...agar hum Bapu ke zamaane mein paida hote toh angrezon ki eeint-se-eeint bajaa dete"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovOF2AmkwtY

Rain

Tomek Baginski takes three mins to take us three decades ahead into the future. A simple visualization of what it would be if we do not do something about the damn global warming. The track sums it up, "I think to myself...what a wonderful world".

LAllan Miya says, "pehle laga baarish tip tip tip tip tip tip girti rahi...rahegi...phir kahaani samaj aayi...miya der se aaye par durrust aaye!"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3OM2yCzvGo

Fallen Art

Tomek Baginski takes weird to another level. Fallen Art is a short sequence from what looks like a tale that can have and intriguing background and a stupendous conclusion. There's out of box music. And the bla-bla narrative. Fits in with the weird base.

Lallan Miya says, "nayaab....bhai chakkar kha gaye hum toh"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46QaOikFYhM

EL'ayichi

Devashish's hilarious haunting tale leaves you wanting more. Brilliant performance by Nimrat. Dead husband haunts her and they still fight like a regular couple. Simply funny. Watch it for the dialogues.

Lallan Miya says, "Ek bhoot hamaare sar pe sawaar tha...filmoen mein hero banne ka..lekin yeh waala toh comedian nikla"

Idhar Zaroor Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=269&v=A6LdrZLgBd8

Black Mirror

Adi Burman attempts to awaken the Mumbaikar. A montage of Mumbai Darshan images backed by a VO and the famous "yeh hai mumbai meri jaan" track. This short fails to move me. The VO is rather hollow and has a very heard before feel. We have seen this before. It does not entertain, nor does it make us think about the street children in Mumbai or anywhere else.


Lallan Miya says, "Bhai jazbaati jhoota bhigoke maarna hai toh pehle jazbaat samjho".


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=16&v=KAJPgwfGv60

Mamta Tonic

Shrinivas Sunderrajan gives you a shot of his terrifying tonic. A warm and friendly and motherly harmless woman knocks on your door trying to sell you a simple tonic. One she claims is keeping her alive. And soon it turns into the last drink you had. Thriller in 6 mins. Watch it for the performance. Lallan Miya says, "aisa darr toh tumhaari bhabhijaan ne bhi kabhi nahi paida kiya"

Idhar Dekho:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=359&v=6RC_mao3bs4

The Escort

The director of this short film has a seriously funny script and a bad cast on hand. I can feel for the chair. Based on a book 'the Wedding Saree', this short has an unexpected twist in the end. Rest of the film is predictable...or is it? You decide. Lallan Miya says, "khuda bachaye auraton se"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8BLIJi2DSY

The Expert

Lauris Beinerts makes you re-live every illogical discussion you have had with your client. Especially if you are an engineer, adman, architect or some such. Even if you're not, I say watch this and you'll know what I mean.

Lallan Miya says, "ek raphada maru jo mujhe chai banaane ki nasihat dee toh"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg

Kamera

Nijo Jonson bakes up this warm fruit cake and serves it with a cup of hot coffee. Kamera is a sweet little boy's wish to make the world smile by becoming a joker, until he finds a camera and realizes people always smile for the camera. So he decides to become a photographer. The setting of a slum adds to his innocence and ignorance about real world. Lallan Miya says, "aesthetically kadak...kya kissa hai"

Idhar dekho- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0nPCc1ZpIY

Jai Hind

Vinay Jaiswal visualizes for us how it would be if India was still ruled by the British in 2015. I have several issues with this loud jingoistic story. Firstly, enough and many films have shown us what it was to be like under the British Raaj. Whether they were more or less accurate in their visualization is a separate debate. But this has been done..."bloody Indians...Khaaneko roti nahi hoga...dogs and Indians not allowed...I can go on with the list of such scenes from B&W days to digital. Secondly, if we were(let's assume) still under British Raaj, then too 2015 is a different age. So this just does not do it for me. Lallan Miya says, "bhai angrez chale gaye...ab azaadi ke maine bhi angrezon se chutkaara paane se kai zyaada ho gaye hai....jago"

Idhar dekho:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhUApcBAbZA

Alma

Rodrigo Blaas tells us a terrifying story in disguise of a sweet animation short. It starts off as a film that you would want to add to your- 'i'll show this to my 5 year old' collection. But soon enough you realize, it is a horror that will send the chills for a while. I was in love with Ahalya- Sujoy Ghosh, until I saw this one. The resemblance is uncanny. Lallan Miya says, "bhai videsi videsi hota hai..."

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tECaYQ1AzkM

Positive

Farhan Akhtar tells us a very emotional story about Aids. Shabana Azmi, Boman Irani and the intense scenes are the three highlights of this short. Watch it for the performances. Lallan Miya says, "aisi khaaniya aur phailaao"

Idhar Dekho:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evsjTDgPeAU

Arre Baba

Surya Balakrishnan captures a very sweet and heart touching moment between a single father and his daughter. Lovely writing. This one is really short and sweet. Must watch. Lallan Miya says, "bhai baap ho to aisa"

Idhar Dekho:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-mmIgSao40

Bypass

Amit Kumar shows us the mirror. The dark and ugly side of our being. Much before Ugly (by Anurag Kashyap), Girl with Yellow Boots or even Gulaal; features that dug deep into darkness, this short does it with no inhibitions. And to add, there's brilliant performances by Nawaazuddin and Irfan. Lallan Miya says, "bhai daraa diya khudaa ki kasam...warna mard hone ka gumaan toh ham bhi rakhte the".

Idhar Dekho:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCRBY9ss-58

Moi Marjaani

Anubhuti Kashyap tells us a story of a Punjaaban who is a single mother, rides a bike and has a beard. Do I need to say more...this should have been a feature film. The character itself has enough gravitas to pull off a 150 minuter. And underlying the plot is the simple message of widow-re-marriages. Lallan Miya says, "Oye Balle!"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3X5RPfW_r4

Error

Rohit Pandey shows us how to use a small apartment and place cameras in weirdest of places to make the most of it. Simple narrative. Actors hold their own throughout. Overall engaging. Lallan Miya says, " itne paise mein itna kuch!..Waah!"

Idhar Dekho:  https://vimeo.com/77402092

Kirchiyaan

Sudhir Mishra creates a fast moving thriller. Powerful cast and the zippy narrative make it worthwhile. And yes it does have the Sudhir Mishra touch. The only disappointment is that the short does not live up to the build up. Perhaps i was expecting many twists and surprises. Lallan Miya says, "bhai acha hai..."

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVkP3eRy4aA

Chai

Geetanjali Rao brews up a fresh cup with four stories running in parallel. She chooses to not show their faces but their tales paint quite a picture. A good mix of illustration and reality embellished with real voices. It's a nice watch. Lallan Miya says, "ek cup aur ho jaye!".

Idhar Dekho:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPfrBRm_3Kg

Geek Out

Vasan Bala must have been a geek. Or has studies them well for sure. This funny funny journey in to the head of a geek boy who is in love with a colleague leaves me wanting for more. But then, this is a short and less is more. Lallan Miya says, "dekho...magar pyar se".


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGvT-SOSYc0

Ahalya

Sujoy Ghosh takes you on a wild ride. A mystery wrapped with good performances and the perfect setting. Well written, well executed. Now this proves, if you have a good script, you have a great film. This is easily one of the best shorts i have seen in a while. Lallan Miya says, "yeh baat toh saare muhalle ko bataani padegi".

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff82XtV78xo

2B or not 2B

Samvida Nanda got this one shortlisted at Cannes. If you sit through the slow start and what appears to be an eccentric experimental film, you will be rewarded with intelligent writing twists as the story unfolds and unfolds again. 14 mins well spent. Lallan Miya says, "Aate rehna guru, agli baar elaichi waali chai peelaunga"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3tjBGD26TY

Vaapsi

Srinivas Sunderrajan attempts to hold your attention with simple visuals and what could have been great writing. Sadly, it makes no impact. Actor D. Santosh has given some performances that stuck with you in the past. This one, we can choose to ignore. The problem is with the narration, it has nothing going for it. Hollow. Lallan Miya says, "aise kissey sunaoge toh udhaar band".

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzVXxjZDn5Q

Epiphany

Neeraj Ghaywan takes you on a nostalgic trip with this one. Anyone who has been married or been in a relationship will identify with the two characters. Natural dialogues and subtle acting makes these two characters very real. The beauty of shorts is that there isn't always a message and there needn't always be. As long as it makes you want to watch the whole thing without regrets, it works. Lallan Miya says, "acha laga...phir aana koi kissa sunaane"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr9Zy-RxJmo

Dharmam

Madonne Ashwin touches hearts with this one. There is depth. There is intensity in this hard hitting tale of one morning. Though the subject is the same old hypocrisy of our country that has been the subject of many popular or mainstream films and even of those off beat" art" ones; Dharmam simplifies the whole thing and delivers the same feeling that one would have got from a Saraansh back in the day. I am not comparing the film with Saraansh but it felt like it. kudos! Lallan Miya khush huve.

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPZTjdzS1-s

Best Girfriend

Navjyot Gulati starts on a slow note and builds up a bit of anticipation. Frankly I was with the narrative till the girlfriend leaves. The introduction of the male friend and his subsequent suggestion of getting girls home gave it away. But somehow the film manages to hold you till the end to find out what or how the boyfriend reacts. In the end it leaves you with wanting to know what happens from there on. Which is a good way to end the film. A short film i wish was longer. Lallan Miya ek packet cigarettes udhaar de denge.

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDTfdsbo3uI

Tubelight ka Chaand

Shlok Sharma's Tubelight ka Chaand is a sweet story of a kid whose innocence strikes you first. The music of the film is the one thing that holds it together as the narrative travels from otherwise disjointed visuals. Reminds you of the ancient folk tale of lord Krishna wanting the moon, for those who know that one. Even without that, the story is predictable, one knows from the time he starts to collect bulbs that he is going to eventually create a large light source. The only mystery in the film is why the director chooses to say this story from a street urchin's medium. It could have been anyone. But once again, the music holds you. Otherwise a forgettable story.  Lallan Miya says aaj se udhaar band!

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2TgRz5Mjuk

Charcutting- drinkable!?

Let's start with bawdi-
I like the pace of the film. It is not your regular Rajasthani costume drama love story that will keep the phoriegner engaged. It has glimpses of the harsh terrain and hence the harsh life and hence the tough life. In this case- tough love. Treatment of father-son relationship and the love relationship could have been better. One thing that did not work for me was the camera work. It seems the dop was on a different trip.
Lallan Miya says, "bhai youtube pe toh phir bhi thik tha...cinema hall mein jaake, paise kharch kar ke yeh na dekhu"


Blouse
Vijayeta Kumar gets it right. The script, the screenplay, the camera work and the characters. All brilliant. Reminds me of the good old storytelling days when a 25-30 minutes of Malgudi days or Tenali Raman kept you glued to the seat all through.
Lallan Miya says, "badhiya hai"


Manilla Running-
Anuj Gulati arrests you right at the beginning of the film with what looks like a promising thriller. But despite of some humorous(freshly crafted i must say) sequences, the film fails to hold the thrill factor for too long. and that is a big downer for a film that is not so long to begin with.
Lallan Miya says, "jama nahi".


Skin deep- 
Once again Hardik Mehta also draws you into the film in the first 5 secs(thanks to heavy breathing and sex noises) but the rest of the film was like the protagonist- it puts you in a coma! The only feeling I was left with is - shit! if this happened, what would happen? Circumcision gone wrong!

Lallan Miya says, "short film thi par bahut lambi lagi".


Overall Lallan miya says- charcutting peeke dekho. PK se better hai!