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