It is subjective to determine the “best of the best” Indian Hindi short films, as there are many excellent films with varying styles and themes. However, here are some highly acclaimed Indian Hindi short films that have received critical acclaim and recognition both nationally and internationally.
- Ahalya (2015) directed by Sujoy Ghosh
Ahalya is a suspenseful and intriguing short film that tells the story of a mysterious woman named Ahalya, who lives with her husband in a secluded house. The film has excellent cinematography and direction, and the performances by Radhika Apte, Soumitra Chatterjee, and Tota Roy Chowdhury are impressive. Ahalya was a massive hit when it was released, and it received critical acclaim from film critics and audiences alike.
2. The School Bag (2016) directed by Dheeraj Jindal
The School Bag is a heart-wrenching short film that tells the story of a mother who buys a new school bag for her son, but he never gets a chance to use it. The film has a beautiful storyline and excellent direction, and it features impressive performances by Rasika Dugal and Sartaaj Kakkar. The School Bag has won several awards, including the Best Short Film award at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles.
3. Chutney (2016) directed by Jyoti Kapur Das
Chutney is a dark and twisted short film that tells the story of a woman who discovers her husband’s affair with a much younger woman. The film has excellent direction, and the performances by Tisca Chopra, Adil Hussain, and Rasika Dugal are impressive. Chutney has won several awards, including the Best Short Film award at the Mumbai Film Festival.
4. Interior Café Night (2017) directed by Adhiraj Bose
Interior Café Night is a romantic short film that tells the story of two former lovers who meet again after many years in a café. The film has beautiful cinematography and direction, and the performances by Naseeruddin Shah, Shernaz Patel, and Naveen Kasturia are impressive. Interior Café Night has won several awards, including the Best Short Film award at the New York Indian Film Festival.
5. Juice (2017) directed by Neeraj Ghaywan
Juice is a powerful short film that tells the story of a young boy who struggles to cope with the pressure of being a young man in today’s society. The film has a beautiful storyline and excellent direction, and the performances by Shefali Shah and Manish Chaudhary are impressive. Juice has won several awards, including the Best Short Film award at the Mumbai Film Festival.
6. Khujli (2018) directed by Sonam Nair
Khujli is a humorous and heartwarming short film that tells the story of a middle-aged couple who rediscover their sexual desires after many years of marriage. The film has excellent direction, and the performances by Neena Gupta and Jackie Shroff are impressive. Khujli has won several awards, including the Best Short Film award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
7. Devi (2020) directed by Priyanka Banerjee
Devi is a hard-hitting short film that explores the issue of sexual harassment and violence against women in India. The film has a beautiful storyline and excellent direction, and it features impressive performances by Kajol, Shruti Haasan, and Neha Dhupia. Devi has won several awards, including the Best Short Film award at the FICCI Frames Excellence Awards.
8. Bittu (2020) directed by Karishma Dev Dube
Bittu is a heart-wrenching short film that tells the story of a young girl who gets caught up in a tragedy in her remote village school. The film has a compelling storyline and excellent direction, and the performances by Rani Kumari and Renu Kumari are outstanding. Bittu has won several awards, including the Best Short Film award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
9. The Miniaturist of Junagadh (2021) directed by Kaushal Oza
Kaushal Oza’s short film is a masterclass in storytelling, using a complex interplay of emotions to set up drama. It portrays an artist’s devotion to his craft and the transformative power of art, while conveying loss and longing during times of calamity. The film also subtly comments on divisive perceptions and intolerance. With a nuanced plot and fine cast, this understated gem is well worth watching.
10. That Day After Everyday (2013) directed by Anurag Kashyap
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, “That Day After Every Day” is a powerful and gut-wrenching short film that highlights the issue of workplace sexual harassment in India. The film follows the story of three women who work in a local dhaba and are constantly subjected to abuse and harassment by their male coworkers. It shows how they eventually stand up for themselves and fight back against the harassment.
In conclusion, Indian cinema has produced several exceptional short films that showcase the creativity and talent of Indian filmmakers. These films have won numerous awards and critical acclaim both nationally and internationally, and they explore various themes and genres. If you are a fan of short films, we highly recommend watching these 10 highly acclaimed Indian Hindi short films.
