5 Game Changing Short Films to Watch on Disney+Hotstar

In today’s era of short films and documentaries, there is no longer a dearth of hard-hitting narratives that can be consumed in a brief span of time. We, as a society are gradually moving past the need for commercial theatres due to the ‘new normal’ that we are becoming accustomed to. It won’t be a stretch to say that soon our attention spans will not go beyond the lengths of short films and documentaries. OTT platforms with short form content are the next game changers!

Check out these 5 short films streaming on Disney Hotstar which are a must watch:

• Suta (The Daughter)

The Hindi short film Suta (The Daughter) is the account of a head-strong girl who fights against the penances of her mother which went undetected in the family. The film talks about patriarchy, sexism and misogyny and how they frequently work together for the purpose of denying a woman completely of agency, particularly if she's a housewife who is monetarily reliant upon her better half. The film is an investigation of similar elements which attempt to acquaint us with the narrative of a normal Indian family. It is a caring group of three individuals and the scene is of a rushed morning when, as the mother readies the food and the father rushes to leave for work, their daughter returns home to visit them. In the midst of the concerns to wed her off to an appropriate bachelor, and the consistent push and pull among parents and kids that is normal in numerous houses, a separate narrative also starts taking form. The father has a secret that if revealed could throw this family totally out of equilibrium. At the core of the story stays a significant reminder for the viewer and the way they have been molded to see the world, frequently at the expense of the bliss and mental peace of countless women.

• Afterlife

It's a story of a post-pandemic world where all humanity is wiped out due to contagion spread in the air. Featuring Shivali Choudhary, filmed by Navin V. Mishra, the film begins with a human being clad in a gas mask and PPE suit crossing a deserted area into a forest. Amber Shri Gupta’s creative vision and Vipin Choudhary’s concept transports the viewer into a world where a lone human being seems to be trying to find a signal for their device. They force themselves through a thick grassland that is eerily empty, when suddenly their watch blares an alarm - a signal for them to hide. As they run to find cover, retracing their footsteps, into an abandoned building , the viewer sees nothing but a candle flame, illuminating posters that say ‘Caution, Outside Air Not Breathable’. The gas mask is removed to reveal a woman sweating inside a PPE suit and rubber gloves as somber music begins and a narration is heard, “Day 261, I again went to the woods today. The air is still not breathable. The virus is still present in the air.” One lingers on a poster that reads - The Novel CoronaVirus is Air Borne. Do Not Step Outside Your Homes. “There is no trace of humans. I am not sure if anyone is alive out there. Even if there is, where are they? I came running due to lack of oxygen in the tank but I cannot give up. It cannot end like this”, the narration ends, leaving the viewer with a strange sense of discomfort.

• Blowback

The Hindi short film narrates the tale of a restless kid who is confused by the questions about marijuana; whether it assists him with his issues or exacerbates them. His mission to answer this predicament drives him into a night loaded with debasement and trouble. The film is exciting and its opening and closing scenes deserve a special mention. It starts with a kid's conversation about his anxiety disorder with a doctor. However, on his way back from the appointment, things get ugly when a degenerate cop discovers weed in his vehicle. The protagonist’s night keeps on regressing into one misfortune after another, at last prompting an end the viewer should stay for. The writing is the main part of the film which gives you recognizable but unusual characters. It further allows the development of events to be natural, regardless of its short duration, by and large empowering the film to be an engaging watch.

· Zidd

There are several thematic concerns of the narrative including minority identity, one's relationship with religion and lastly, love that turns to hate and fires the craving for retribution. The film does a commendable job of engaging with all of these, sparkling in certain moments, owing fundamentally to a fragile treatment of a sensitive idea, however at times, slacking and verging on sentimentalism.

It would be unfair to not call attention to the plot, critical in its execution, giving the viewer a take on father-son relationships, set apart by stubbornness and outrage that the two characters come to reflect in one another. The film, basically the account of a man who has seen misfortune and is unnerved by significant questions and recollections of the past, shows eminent performances and narration, alongside profound potential that can be investigated further by the group in their future ventures.

• Deva Mala Maaf Kar (Oh God, Forgive Me)

This 13 minute Marathi short film is the story of constable Atmaram Shinde who has just returned from his night shift. He is tortured by a conflict in his mind and his guilty conscience. Before the night is over, he must find a way out. The film opens with a shot of his wife cooking in the kitchen as her husband comes home from work. She tells him that his tea and biscuits are ready and that he must not forget to come for lunch to their neighbour’s house. As the constable dips the biscuit in his tea, the viewer is able to see that there is something bothering the man as the biscuit slips from his hands. He lights a cigarette and his demeanour continues to be that of a nervous man. As he is drinking water, his son rebukes him for taking bribes to earn money and yet giving him none of his own. A goon intervenes in their conversation asking for his money from his son who doesn’t have it and goes on to heckle the constable for it as well. This leaves him even more disturbed now. Watch this award winning short film to find out why.