7 Thought-provoking Short Films You Can Watch Online For Free

Watch these 7 short films that will inspire you to change the way you think about issues such as religious fanaticism, discrimination against sex workers, eve teasing, AIDS and cleanliness.

By Neeti Vijaykumar

April 9, 2016

Watch these 7 short films that will inspire you to change the way you think about issues such as religious fanaticism, discrimination against sex workers, eve teasing, AIDS and cleanliness.

The art of making short films lies in delivering a powerful message in as short time as possible. The movies in this list give a fresh perspective in a non-melodramatic way about issues like cleanliness, poverty, street children, fanaticism, sex workers and women. While some are directed by big names from Bollywood, the others are by upcoming directors. They’re all three to 20 minutes long, so take out 1 hour and 17 minutes out of your day to have your mind blown by these amazing short pieces:

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Dum Dum Deega Deega

Watch time: 15 minutes
This inspiring short film directed by Ayush Kapur was released in 2015. Ajju, played by Naman Jain, may live on the streets all his life, but that doesn’t stop him from finding a way out of situations that would leave most of us struggling and cursing. All it takes Ajju is a positive attitude and hope.

Bombay Mirror

Watch time: 3 minutes
Shlok Sharma’s 3-minute short starring Rajkumar Rao and Vijay Maurya is a simple, but hardhitting thriller. It gives a tiny glimpse into how communalism (and fanaticism, religious intolerance, and all that jazz) is etched so deep into people’s minds, that they jump too quick to conclusions.

Moi Marjaani

Watch time: 19 minutes
Directed by Anubhuti Kashyap and released in 2013, Moi Marjaani is about a single Punjabi mother who rides a scooter, runs an Internet cafe, and falls in love with someone over the net. Played by Kanika Karla, this short is a heartwarming tale about a woman trying out independence as a lifestyle.

Positive

Watch time: 19 minutes
This is the oldest one (2007) out of this list, but it still has as much relevance today. Directed by Farhan Akhtar as part of an AIDS awareness campaign, this film explores the tumultuous relationship between a father who is diagnosed with AIDS and his son who ran away from home when he learnt of his extramarital affairs. It stars Boman Irani and Shabana Azmi.

That Day After Everyday

Watch time: 21 minutes
A 2013-short by Anurag Kashyap with Radhika Apte and Sandhya Mridul, this film depicts three women and their experiences with eve teasers. Watch how women, who have been told that they are weaker than men, can overcome their fears and take control of the situation.

The Great Indian Little Girls

Watch time: 5 minutes
Released in 2012, this film reminds us that cleanliness is also our responsibility. It starts off with a boy who, on getting his visa, is excited to finally leave the country. The reason? He think it’s filthy. Watch how two young girls teach him what it means to be a responsible citizen with just a simple gesture.

India Tomorrow

Watch time: 5 minutes
Released this year in March, Imtiaz Ali’s short film breaks all stereotypes about sex workers. It’s the story of a stockbroker at a brothel who gets the shock of his life when he learns something about the woman he is with. With music by A R Rahman, it’s a refreshing take on not just sex workers’ ambitions, but women as well.