Everyone who identifies as a Feminist should watch these 8 short films

These eight short films starring Kalki Koechlin, Gauahar Khan and Kunal Kapoor should be on your list if you wish to look at issues closer to home.

By: Shamita Harsh |
May 9, 2017 6:23 pm

For those of you who are reeling under the sky-rocketing costs of movie tickets (hello, Baahubali) need not worry. If you’re looking for a weekend binge, we’ve got you covered. You do not need to leave the comfort of your air-conditioned house or pay for tickets to watch these eight treats from the short films factory. From YouTube channels to independent productions, these short films have struck a chord with their online audiences for the issues they manage to raise.

Dekhne Mai Kya Harj Hai
Dinner conversations can be casual but not when it is about marriage and not when it is in India. The Short Cuts produces a nuanced version of everyday conversations in a regular household with Dekhne Mai Kya Harj Hai. The film shows a concerned couple which uses tact to convince their daughter about the perfect match for her while appearing completely harmless. Starring Ayesha Raza, Brijendra Kala and Priya Chauhan, this film is a comment on the pressures that are faced by a woman in an Indian society.

2. Naked
When a sex clip from her film goes viral, popular actor Sandy is caught in the eye of the storm. On being interviewed by a young journalist, Ria, she begins to really understand the problem with the hyper aware digital age. You may pick this for Kalki Koechlin, but the message behind SCUD’s production, Naked, is one of solidarity with women.

3. White Shirt
All break ups can be tough but the decision that leads to a break-up can a lot of times be the defining moment in someone’s life. A Large Short Films’ Production, White Shirt tries to capture a woman’s dilemma when she is at a crossroads in her life, uncertain about which direction to choose. Starring Kunal Kapoor and Kritika Kamra, here is a refreshing take at the end of relationships.

4. Pinjra
Pinjra is all about women. The second half of the short film is performed with poetry and compels women to question themselves and their boundaries. A Large Short Film’s Production, Pinjra is in itself a form of expression, raising doubts on the existence of women in a world drenched in patriarchy.

5. Half Ticket

The unpredictability of the act of falling in love can at times become the reason of falling in love. Half Ticket explores the chance meeting between two strangers at a derby match. Produced by Ultra Shorts, the film stars Naveen Kasturia and Gunjan Malhotra, the story is a simple tale of fate.

6. Life After

From Terribly Tiny Tales comes the story of a woman’s strength as she battles a life-threatening condition. Vidya Malvade’s Life After is a tale of continuing beyond breast cancer and the fight from within. This short film is an empowering chapter from a woman’s life who struggles to live a normal life after an unfortunate incident is an inspiration for all women out there.

7. Her
As crime against women continues to make headlines, Her is a short film that depicts the constant fight of women against sexual harassment at the work place. A Bombay Diaries Production, it stars Maanvi Gagroo and she manages to show women the importance of fighting back.

8. Peanut Butter
Single and pregnant. Peanut Butter delves into the numerous questions a single mom-to-be faces. The Playground Digital Cinema production debunks the taboos that surround a pregnancy out of wedlock in the cutest fashion. Gauahar Khan portrays her role as the scared woman, unsure of how to tackle the new responsibility, with flair.