India is vying for recognition in the best live-action short film category at the 96th Academy Awards with a pair of thought-provoking films.
Reema Maya presents “Nocturnal Burger,” an exploration of child abuse within a dysfunctional police station in Mumbai. Premiering at Sundance, the film has traversed more than 50 global film festivals, amassing 34 awards, including the prestigious Golden Chair for Best International Short at Norway’s KortfilmFestivalen—an Oscar-qualifying accolade. Boasting a cast featuring Bebo Madiwal, Millo Sunka, Trupti Khamkar, Shrikant Mohan Yadav, Pushpendra Singh, Somnath Mondal, Vicky Shinde, and Mukesh Pachode, the film delves into the dark realms of abuse, trauma, fantasy, and escapism.
The genesis of “Nocturnal Burger” stems from a tragic incident that deeply affected Maya a few years ago. Reflecting on the film’s genesis, she shares, “Everything that happened that night stayed deep inside me, and ‘Nocturnal Burger’ is the first outlet it has had.” The film sheds light on the pervasive nature of sexual abuse in public spaces, emphasizing the necessity for community vigilance and intervention. Maya describes it as a coming-of-age film in the darkest sense, set against the backdrop of a rainy night in Mumbai, capturing the transition between teenage aspirations and the harsh realities of growing up.
Chintan Sarda’s offering, “The Broken Table,” unfolds the narrative of caregiver Deepti and her Alzheimer ‘s-afflicted client Giri. Juggling Giri’s eccentricity and her own life’s quandaries, Deepti faces a tumultuous day made more peculiar by Giri persistently calling for his deceased wife. Featuring Naseeruddin Shah and Rasika Dugal, the film secured a spot by clinching the Best Short title at the Oscar-qualifying Bengaluru International Short Film Festival.
Sarda shares his motivation, stating, “What drew me into this world was primarily the character of Giri, even though the story wasn’t really told from his perspective.” He delves into the poignant reality of Alzheimer’s patients reliving the pain of loss daily, emphasizing his commitment to exploring the uplifting facets of mental health stories. Sarda, personally invested in the subject, has undergone therapy, shaping his perspective on how society often overlooks or pities those grappling with advanced mental health issues.
While India celebrated an Oscar win earlier in the year for the documentary short “The Elephant Whisperers,” directed by Kartiki Gonsalves and produced by Guneet Monga, the live-action short category remains unconquered. India’s previous nods in the category include Ismail Merchant’s “The Creation of Woman” in 1961 and Ashvin Kumar’s “Little Terrorist” in 2005.
Acknowledging the stiff competition, Sarda remains realistic about their chances, saying, “I definitely don’t want to sound like a pompous ass and declare that we are going to make it to the shortlist or nominations stage.” Recognizing the formidable films backed by Hollywood heavyweights, including a short by Wes Anderson, Sarda expresses gratitude to be at this stage. Despite lacking a publicist, the filmmakers are diligently employing a social media campaign in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco to generate buzz and hope for the film to be noticed by Academy members on its merits.
Maya echoes the sentiment, expressing pride in India’s recent Oscar successes and a desire to continue the legacy of women filmmakers. She emphasizes the personal connection audiences worldwide feel with “Nocturnal Burger” and the responsibility to amplify its sensitive conversations on the grandest stage. Both filmmakers underscore the importance of support, hoping to make a resounding impact with their compelling narratives.
