Ajeeb Daastaans is an anthology film, consisting of four short film segments directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Kayoze Irani, Shashank Khaitan and Raj Mehta.
Produced under Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, the film has already stolen hearts.
Directed by: Neeraj Ghaywan, Kayoze Irani, Shashank Khaitan, Raj Mehta
Run Time: 2h 30min
Ratings: 4.8/5
Cast: Nushrratt Bharuccha, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Aditi Rao Hydari, Konkona Sen, Shefali Shah, Manav Kaul, Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhishek Banerjee
Majnu
Directed by Shashank Khaitan, ‘Majnu‘ tells us the story of a broken marriage, one that sees an end even before the beginning of it. Starring Jaideep Ahlawat (Babloo), Fatima Sana Shaikh (Lipakshi) and Armaan Ralhan (Raj) in lead roles, the short film talks about revenge and the secrecy of one’s identity.
Born in a rich household is a blessing and a curse, as proven by the storyline. Despite having it all, you can have nothing if there isn’t an ounce of happiness. Unable to disclose his identification and disinterest in being wedded to a beautiful rich woman, Babloo faces problems throughout his life. The biggest one however, is the revenge his close acquaintance Raj has in mind as he pretends to fall for Babloo’s new wife.
The story is a smartly planned play and has the perfect amount of unpredictable thrill that is required to make it work. It keeps you engaged in wanting to know what happens next.
Khilauna
Raj Mehta’s directorial ‘Khilauna’ is the best amongst them all as per us. Starring Nushrratt Bharuccha, Abhishek Banerjee and Inayat Verma in pivotal roles, the film is directed with extreme sharp wit.
The story talks about the thin yet very visible line drawn between the privileged and the under privileged. While the truth always has a way of surfacing, it still remains as a shock. A mere servant and her little sister go house to house cleaning and performing chores but what happens when the antagonist tries taking advantage of a lowly girl? Her little sister apparently steps up in a strong but deranged way to protect her.
A very much commendable performance here happens to be that of Inayat Verma. A little girl who makes the most impact throughout the whole story. You wouldn’t even realise it until the very end! Apart from the incredible acting, the direction too much be applauded. Going back and forth between the past and the present creates a path to the future, one that Mehta has drawn out very smartly.
Geeli Pucchi
Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Geeli Pucchi’ stars Aditi Rao Hydari and Konkona Sen in the lead and they make quite the impression of strong, bold yet pushed down women.
The story revolves around two women who unintentionally fall for each other but are too scared to face the reality of their sexual orientation. While one has embraced it and accepted it because she has nothing to lose, the other has everything on the line (which includes a family). From trying to get each other to accept what the person in front believes, they fall apart even as they remain close.
A beautifully directed film which gives you all the sentiments in order to feel the characters come alive. We see both the divas Aditi Rao Hydari and Konkona Sen in very different roles as compared to their wonted characters. The actresses have done a stellar job and clearly, have a very comfortable space in between them.
Ankahi
Directed by Kayoze Irani, ‘Ankahi’ stars Shefali Shah, Tota Roy Choudhary and Manav Kaul in the lead.
‘Actions are more powerful than words’ is the theme of this short film. Natasha (Shefali Shah), a doting mother and trying wife is doing her best to learn sign language for her daughter, who is unfortunately losing her hearing. Natasha urges her husband Rohan (Tota Roy Choudhary) to learn the language which soon will be the sole means to communicate with their girl. However, Rohan doesn’t give up to her persuasion. Sad in her wedding, Natasha bumps into Kabir (Manav) and that grows into a beautiful relationship.
The story is all about bonds and the need to fulfill a committed relationship. At the end of the day we are all surrounded by people thus creating different relationships for us along with meanings of their own. This short film teaches us a lot on those terms.