Juice

Written by Neeraj Ghaywan and Ranjan Chandel, directed by Neeraj, this short film is a very nicely nuanced episode of what get-to-gethers used to be while I was growing up. Brilliant performances by everyone with a special mention of 'acting with your eyes' by Shefali punchuates the mood. Chauvinism, Misogyny and sexism in veiled subconsciouses is out now.

Lallan Miya says, "Bhai badhiya writing aur acting ka namunaa...thoda story puraana lag raha hai...lekin still relevant in many households"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Sk7fQGIjE

Two - Styajit Ray

Written and directed by Satyajit Ray, this is perhaps the world's first short film. Produced for Essa, the oil company, in 1964, this short uses symbolism- the battery operated toys vs the simplicity of flute and kite. The coca cola drinking boy vs the urchin. Very Clever depiction of American oppression against the third-world. Music is composed by him too. Amazing camera work, considering the time and age that it was made. A must watch for aspiring story-tellers.


Lallan Miya says, "chota mooh aur badi baat ke liye maufi par dada ki iss short ko aaj bhi chala do ...it's relevant, it's current and it is fantastic"




Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zACGLjd9JNY

White Shirt

Written and directed by Sumit Aroraa, here's a story of letting go. Kunal Kapoor and Kritika Kamra play lovers who are separated but haven't moved on. A old white shirt keeps bringing them opportunities to meet, until one of them let's go. It's a simple light watch. Subtle performances but nothing intense.

LallanMiya says, "bhai dekh lo kuch bura nahi hai.....nahi dekhoge toh bhi kuch bura nahi hai"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiXHY4kX4SQ

Khujli

Written and directed by Sonam Nair, here's a short film attempting to do something different, like he characters in the film. Jackie Shroff and Neena Gupta play an old couple who chance upon an evening inspired by 50 Shades of Grey. The dialogues are funny but could have been as real and natural as the setting and the costumes. Overall, if you don't mind a bit of bollywood interfering with the realism, it's a good watch.
LallanMiya says, "khatiya saari raat awaaz karti rahi, humko tha kamar dard aur padosan sharm se marti rahi..."

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

In Defence of Freedom

Screenplay and Direction by Nandita Das, dialogues originally written by Saadat Hasan Manto. Here's a little extract from the life of the great Manto who was prosecuted multiple times in the court of law but continued to write and fight for his freedom to be a great writer. Nawazuddin Siddiqui play the role sharply and looks believable. Watch it for his effortless delivery.

LallanMiya says, "ek aayina humne bhi taiyaar kiya hai...gurda ho toh shakal dekh lo isme"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwWr6F04QW4

This Bloody Line

Written and directed by Ram Madhvani, here a walk down the memory lane with a bit of introspection. While millions of lives were affected the partition line, aka the Radcliffe Line, no thought was spared for the man who was forced to be responsible for it.
Watch this for good performances and great writing.

LallanMiya says, "there's no burden greater than 'the burden living with the burden of the dead'."


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIvQ2AyCCu4

Ek Dopahar

Written and dire ted by Swati Srivastava, here's a short that has a potentially explosive plot. But it turns into a mellow, though mature, conversation between the wife and the ex. A lot more comes to mind when i ask, What would happen when a wife meets the ex-girlfriend?". Huma Qureshi and Gauhar Khan add to the star value with decent performances.

Lallan Miya says, "bhai main toh apni saari exs' ko wahi rakhta hoon jahaa woh honi chihiye...bhootkaal mein....jab main hi unse nahi milta toh begam ke milne ka sawaal hi kaha"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F65H3Mkqs5M

Kathakaar

Screenplay by Krishna Agarwal and Abhimanyu Kanodia. Directed by Abhimanyu Kanodia, here's a simple story of a man who lost his job to new age technology. A relevant subject in a fast developing and advancing nation like ours. Piyush Mishra is brilliant as an actor. It's good watch. The only thing that gives away that this is like a college graduation project is the writing of Piyush's dialogues when he is narrating stories.

Lallan Miya says, "jo story tellers hai unhe na camera ki zaroorat hai na sound ki aur na lights ki....yahaa tak ki parda bhi nahi chahiye.."

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhIGSqneM0M

Kheer

Directed by Surya Balakrishnan, written by Sharanya Rajgopal, this short has a basic flaw. Anupam Kher plays nana(Maternal Grandfather) who has a girlfriend. The little granddaughter is uncomfortable and they sort it out over kheer. But the problem in the plot is that a step/half parent is difficult for kids to adjust or digest but i doubt if the same is a problem when it comes to step grandmother if such a thing exists.

Lallan Miya says, "nana nani ki umar ke log kheer kha hi le toh khushi ki baat hai...isliye yeh kheer kuch hazam nahi hui"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Govd4E9YbQ

The Unusual Suspects

Writer and Director Steve Mitchel is a hilarious story teller. This short takes the intensity of a serious interrogation room and the silliness of a clown and merges the two. Giving you a 6 min lol blend. The writing is clever and the performances are apt. Watch if before your cab arrives.

Lallan Miya says, "bewakoofon ki kami nahi hai...ek dhoondo toh tum khud hi bewakoof kehlaao"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8t40UbEoV0

Pinjra

Written and directed by Prammod Sanghi, this short can get the 'Captain Obvious' of the year award. The beautiful voice of Naseeruddin Shah is wasted on very seen before visuals and mildly clever writing. I do like the fact that this film attempts to question the victims of abuse, oppression and exploitation. But i am not sure if that is whats missing and hence needs to be done enough.

Lallan Miya says, "Gheesa hua record bajaana ya polish karke bajaana....dono hi hai pinjre mein quaid soch ka nateeja"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xODm3ZdOcFc

Mama's Boys

Akshat Verma writes and directs this modern Mahabharat sequence with a twisted sense of humour. Exposing the chauvinist side of the ancient tale. While critics can debate the research etc the truth is that this short is hilarious and the treatment, in particular of the crowned costumes in modern times is working. The role of Draupadi (Aditi Rao Hydari)is liberating. Writing stands out.
Neena Gupta is fabulous as always.

Lallan Miya says, "baaki toh samaj aa gaya lekin nakul aur sehdev gay tthe yeh aaj pataa chala"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59RaG_xXreM&t=845s

The Hire -Powder Keg

Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez, this BMW short indulges in social commentary on our approach to journalism. Well written, well executed and supported by good music. Now theres a lot of bad n the world and we ain't gonna change all of that ever. So what do we do?

Lallan Miya says, "jab hamaare kaam ke beech mein kuch galat hota dekhte hai toh hum bhi sochte hai...kaam kare ya galat ko roke?....phir hum ek paan kha lete hai"


Idhar Dekho:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTcx6HzBYsc&index=5&list=PL49A1B22886A6A215

The Hire - Follow

Directed by WKW, this BMW is a different one. No action sequences, no hi-speed chases...not much of the car either in the screenplay. On the contrary this short takes a bit of an emotional route. Even-then, it is interesting and satisfying in the end as it leaves you on a lighter note. Who ever said a strong and robust car doesn't have a heart.

Lallan Miya, "ek baar pure veg Greek Salad mein galati se ek piece roast chicken ka aa gaya tha....kasam se bada mazedaar tha"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSh3GgIcZnQ&index=3&list=PL49A1B22886A6A215

The Hire- Chosen

Directed by Ang Lee, this short reminds you of the great escape by Dalai Lama. Although set in NY and played out through hi-action car chases like every other BMW short, it does take you back to the original story. Not to mention it ends on a spiritual note. Love the use of playful western classical music on the backdrop of a breath-taking car chase.

Lallan Miya says, "mind is monkey...give monkey mind a job and you will be happy"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnt6rD_34MI&index=2&list=PL49A1B22886A6A215

The Hire- Star

Guy Ritchie directs this short which is a part of the BMW series. This one features Madonna along with, of course, Clive Owen who is the driver in all parts. A funny one, this. And Madonna's performance- bitching!

Lallan Miya says, "madam ko madam nahi kahe toh kya sir kahe? aur isne toh keh bhi diya....bhale thodi nakchadi thi lekin bechari ke saath aisa nahi karna tha..."

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9fgiE1JU9o

The Roof -Young Vic

Director Natalie Abrahami presents this wonderfully hilarious case of mistaken identity. Brilliant acting by everyone. Overall great execution of a good script. Senead Matthews and Ian Mckellen stand out. Watch it for ten mins of light humour.

Lallan Miya says, "kisine bola naam mein kya rakha hai....usne zaroor yeh film nahi dekhi"

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

Connection

Directed by Vladimir Scherban and written by Nicolai Khalezin who also stars in the film, this short is a gripping 10 mins of what-happens-next formula. Jude Law is stranded at the London airport with an unknown foreigner and they have conversations despite of not speaking each other's language.

Lallan Miya says, "I have said this many times...short film wahi achi jo aur dekhne ko jee kare jaise ki coffee-walnut ice-cream..kambhakat jitni khao...aur dil karta hai"


Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87B1tz3KdOg

The Hire- Ambush

Written by Andrew walker, directed by John Frankenheimer this is one of the series of short films that were produced when the term short films was not even invented. Large format commercials is what you can rather call this piece of slick story telling with subtle branding. Clive Owen stars in this action thriller with a twist in the boot. Crisp and entertaining.

Lallan Miya says, "heere moti kitne bhi precious ho....nashte mein kha nahi sakte...lekin yeh marketing idea BMW ki kitchen mein kabhi baasi nahi hoga"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKYUtUw-8ig&list=PL68gfsJwBv3eh0GNTy0KC3-f27RY0XMkO

Bin

Written and directed by Baker Terry, here's a dark short that will make you cringe a couple of times at least. With all that is wrong with the world, it is difficult to not lose it on what's up in our own backyards. The acting is apt. The narration is something one can relate to. Watch it for the voice delivery.

Lallan Miya says, "expression achha hai....bapu bole the ki duniya ko sudhaarna hai toh pehle apna ghar thik karo"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2016/11/25/bin/

The Gusty Morning

Written and directed by Jahnu Barua, here's a sensitive short handled with care. The subject is lesser known to many, hence a bit of idiot-proofing. Good performances overall, although one would have expected more from Seema Biswas. The story does not somehow flow very well. Dialogues are ordinary considering the subject.

Lallan Miya says, "bade bade naam lekar agar banaoge toh pastry three-tower cake na banegi"

Idhar Dekho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9l_zNkftGo