Unlike the “Award Films” in Tamil/Malayalam cinema, my interest lies in telling a good story in a commercially successful way. This project is an attempt to understand the audience and what they appreciate. ‘Wings of Fire,’ the autobiography of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, is the book that first came to my mind when I was thinking about what to write for my first fictional short film. There are multiple reasons for this choice, but the most important is the absence of any movie about this great person. The concept of the story is to have gripping, high-stakes walk-and-talk conversations, through which we learn about the strengths and weaknesses, the moral and psychological conflicts, and insights into the protagonist’s personal life, Abdul Kalam. My work as the filmmaker covers roughly the entire process, the three stages of production. I have also adopted the story structure proposed by John Truby in his book ‘The Anatomy of a Story.’

‘Nithya’ is a 25-minute fictional short film in Hindi. The film is about Abhimanyu, a 10-year-old boy who dislikes all girls, especially his classmate, "everyone's favourite," Nithya. But the only person he can complain to about this favouritism is his caring and jolly mom, a young divorcee who is under the pressure of having to get remarried. Most student films are experimental, ambitious, slow, and “deep” without a cause. We wanted to make a short film that deliberately stuck to the basics of a simple and dramatic plot—focusing on delivering all the different emotions and energies that actors can bring while trying to ground it in our relatable society. The film is a blend of energy, humour, and silliness, along with hard-hitting emotions, pain, and finally, hope.

Ghar, a short film, is a film that emerges from a personal loss of my maternal grandmother (Naani), my only grandparent left after the loss of my maternal grandfather (Nana) in 2011, while I was 10 years old. Being too young to process the loss of my Nana, I grew up with the sole grandparent love of my Naani. An incredible person through and through, her heart and soul as pure as the glacial water of the Himalayas. Her unconditional love and warmth brought so much joy in all of our lives. With her unexpected demise in Feb ‘22 due to cancer, it was a grave shock for the entire family. It left a huge hole in everyone’s heart. While I was in Bombay, far away from home through the entirety of this, I was devastated with this news, as I couldn’t see her in her last moments nor could I visit her cremation being so far away from home. This film is an attempt to try and capture the essence of what I went through from the moment I got the news to the time I actually visited her place back home. A short film of 7:45 minutes is my first attempt at filmmaking. Planning, writing, and shooting a short film from scratch is a challenge I undertook in this project. This project is my attempt to understand the art and craft of filmmaking.

In 2001, Budget Monks, consisting of three guys—an illustrator, a writer, and a technician—created the first ever motion comic, Broken Saints. A motion comic (or animated comic) is a form of animation combining elements of print comic books and animation. Individual panels are expanded into a full shot while sound effects, voice acting, and animation are added to the original artwork. Mostly, motion comics have been used to animate existing comics and in movies and trailers to show flashbacks or memories of a person. This project takes more of a comic book animation rather than an animated comic book approach.

As animation is time-consuming and requires immense efforts, it is uneconomic to edit out motions later. The behaviour of an object and the effect of weight seen on the screen relies exclusively on the spacing between the drawings and not the drawing itself. Therefore, the director is required to perfectly plan and time the animation and not depend on the quality of the drawings in their static sense. For good'readability’ of animation, there should be enough time for preparing the audience for an action rather than the time of the action itself. When creating moods like frantic chase or melodious romance, one needs to remember that all the timing calculations must be based on a constant frame rate. One can draw a circle; the audience will understand whether it is a cannon ball or a soap bubble only when the timing for its animation says so. In animation, a movement is a set of drawings that have neither weight nor any forces acting on them; hence, it necessitates the backing of Newton’s Laws of Motion. An animation’s success is defined by how well the animator answers the fundamental question: What will happen to this object when a force acts upon it? Cartoons as a medium exist by means of caricature, where proportions and motions are exaggerated. Therefore, a cartoon character is not expected to behave exactly like a human.

Communication, meaning ‘to share’ is an important need for mankind. As Aristotle said, “Man is by nature a social animal.” It has become a basic need to bring about relationships with fellow men, share, and build about a society. It's said better and direct communication is the key to better relationships. Starting from phones and other gadgets, the internet, and social media, to face-to-face communication and to the basic body language, we use a huge number of things to communicate. But did we know that the evolution of communication ranges back to cave paintings? And isn't it limited to the technologies we use?

To understand what makes a music video viral, study already existing music videos that went viral, and since animation is one of the most popular forms of media these days. I tried to study popular music videos, which include 1. Paranoid Android by Radiohead 2. Artic Monkeys: Do I wanna know 3. Tame Impala: Feels Like We Only Go Backwards 4.Daft Punk—One More Time. In modern media of entertainment, animated music videos’s target audiences are mostly adults who want to rebel against society. Rock music works well with animation. As the music videos are targeted more towards adults, most of the music videos visuals were extremely trippy and explicit.

The live virtual convocation for IIT Bombay, organised by Prof. Sumant Rao from IDC IITB, was an innovative solution to conduct the graduation ceremony during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project involved the recreation of the traditional convocation ceremony in a fully virtual environment, allowing around 2000 students to participate remotely. The ceremony included real-time animations of the avatars, with degrees being conferred in the same manner as in a traditional ceremony. The virtual convocation was a testament to the creative use of technology to maintain the tradition of graduation while adapting to the constraints of the pandemic.

Project 'Manhole' is a real-time Virtual Reality (VR) narrative developed by Prof. Abhishek Verma and Prof. Jayesh Pillai at IDC IIT Bombay. This project utilises the immersive capabilities of VR to tell a compelling, socially relevant story, engaging the audience through an interactive and experiential narrative format. The project likely focusses on bringing attention to societal issues, possibly drawing from themes like sanitation workers' lives or the hazards they face, symbolised by the manhole. Real-time interaction in VR allows the viewers to step into a dynamic environment where they can engage with the narrative as it unfolds, providing an immersive way to experience the story. This kind of VR storytelling amplifies emotional engagement and empathy by placing the user in the midst of the events, offering a powerful new dimension to narrative design.

Radio has been a permanent and very important part of my life since childhood. My father and his late brother work for All India Radio, and my mother was a casual (temporary) announcer (RJ) there for a short period of time. Every time we moved to a different place, my father was provided with a new radio set, which kept on upgrading in technical aspects with the passing years, but the routine we had as a family with the radio never changed. For my family, we feel connected by radio and several programs it has. People these days have forgotten about radio, or All India Radio, but for us it is still there at our home, and we still live in that Akashvani ke zamane mein. So the aim was to use some element of radio that might connect all of us and bring smiles to our faces. So the goal was to make a film that brings back the old memories but at the same time does not mention that radio is an outdated source of entertainment, and the challenge was to do all of this in one minute.

Women put so much effort into this whole process of ‘dating’ and it includes all sorts of efforts—emotionally getting ready even though we end up being victims of all sorts of crime. We are scared of uploading our pictures on any social media platform; we are forced to be scared of certain things in the society, which is very normal for the other part of the society.

In a world in the midst of a nuclear winter, Kiran rushes to take his dying sister to the hospital before it’s too late. However, in order to reach it, he needs to get through a peculiar, crowded village that’s busy celebrating a rocket launch. In this project, I wanted to make a 1-minute film that discusses the immenent climate crisis and our fascination with habiting other planets before solving any of our own problems.

The story of Dhun as her anxious foot shaking turns into a musical adventure! Based on my own experiences with anxiety and fidgeting, my journey in making this film made me discover how focusing on my body’s rhythm helps me break out of an anxious spiral. Not only was this my first time working with 3D animation software like Blender, but it was also the first time composing music! Learning FL Studio to compose and mix my own music and tunes was quite the experience.

Hip-hop montage is a method of creating a montage in film using fast cuts. The purpose of using this method depends on the design of that particular film. It is a fairly recent idea, and not much work has been done in exploring this field. That is one reason to study more about hip-hop montage. The aim of this project is to explore these possibilities to the best of our knowledge, creativity, and capabilities to create unique solutions for bringing our ideas in the format of a hip-hop montage. For this project, I recorded videos and sounds and then edited them to create a short film.

Leaving home and loved ones is something almost every person experiences in their life. This film is trying to shine light on such situations. What exactly are we missing when we feel homesick? Wouldn’t the next place be your next home? These are the questions that came to my mind while doing this project. This story revolves around a seed that gets lost from its home and finds refuge elsewhere. Inspired by my own experiences of leaving home after a long while, this project has pushed me both mentally and to learn filmmaking on another level.

Listening to a bedtime story would have been a nostalgic memory that everyone has in their mind. Even in the present, people get flashbacks about their experience of listening to such stories back then. This particular dreamy genre where the nostalgia plays a part is very magical and powerful. The aim of this project is to explore the different ideas revolving around this topic of bedtime stories and create a story that can take the audience back to their childhood days and fill their mind with joy. The genre that is intended is comedy and is aimed at a target audience of children mainly. Working on this project helped me learn a lot of things about animation filmmaking.

Anxiety resides within every individual to some extent. While it may be a normal and temporary experience for some, others endure its severe and persistent effects, eventually impacting their mental and physical well-being. The purpose of creating this film is to depict to the audience the detrimental consequences of anxiety and its profound influence on one's life. Each person possesses a unique trigger point to combat this state, as it varies for everyone. Personal encounters have motivated me to develop something that can effectively convey the internal and mental struggles I faced, as well as the challenges I encountered while trying to overcome and coexist with anxiety. One particular incident compelled me to embark on this filmmaking journey. It was an incident that completely transformed my life. During my school days, I was unexpectedly called upon by a professor to deliver a speech on stage. I hadn't prepared for it, and unfortunately, I found myself unable to deliver the speech. The entire class and my friends burst into laughter that day. However, the true challenge emerged in the aftermath of that incident. People began to ignore me, and my friends started bullying me. Various unpleasant incidents unfolded, with some individuals even making derogatory remarks about my caste.

This movie depicts the profound impact of real-life events that transformed my existence. It revolves around the experiences that altered the course of my life, capturing the essence of pivotal moments. The narrative follows an ordinary individual who, on the verge of accomplishing his dreams, tragically loses someone immensely dear to him. Ultimately, this story resonates with my own journey intertwined with my father's. In the course of one's life, there inevitably comes a time when a profound paradox unfolds. At one moment, you achieve what you've ardently dreamed of, only to have someone incredibly close to you, a constant presence in your life, depart simultaneously. This film revolves around the profound bond shared between a father and son, delving into the son's journey as he embarks on a path leading to his admission into IIT Bombay. This film holds deep significance to me, as it is dedicated to my beloved father, who consistently offered his unwavering support. I cherish the memory of him being the sole individual to encourage me to apply to IIT Bombay. Unfortunately, a tragic turn of events snatched him away from us just one day before I received my acceptance into IIT Bombay.

Travelling is a very innate habit for humans. It is a thrill to explore places and people in search of new experiences and adventures. “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey." Whether the travel is for a vacation or for a business or school trip, by road, air, or rail, there is just so much to encounter, people to meet and talk to, or just observe. One sees fun in the language people speak; one might enjoy the architecture of a place or maybe just the seasons and the colours it brings. If one has the eye for it, travelling stays a therapeutic experience. This project is inspired by this aspect of travelling; the different emotions and memories it can evoke for everyone are different and personal to everyone.

As I journey through life, there is one chapter that holds a special place in my heart: the days of my school days. Looking back at those cherished moments is like flipping through the pages of a well-worn, nostalgic book that never fails to bring a smile to my face. My schooldays were a time of innocence, discovery, and growth. It was a period filled with laughter, fun, and the occasional mischief that left us with unforgettable memories. Those were the days when friendships were formed effortlessly and bonds were forged over shared experiences and adventures. The importance of fun and mischief in schooldays cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in shaping a well-rounded individual. These aspects contribute to the overall development and growth of a person, fostering social, emotional, and cognitive skills that are essential for life. Fun and mischief in schooldays encourage social interaction and help build friendships. Engaging in playful activities allows children to bond with their peers, develop teamwork, and learn important social skills like empathy, communication, and cooperation.

The aim of this project is to make a ‘One Minute’ short animated film on the topic of intrusive thoughts and daydreaming. I would like to experiment with and make use of several AI-powered animation tools and virtual production engines that I believe would make the future of the animation pipeline more dynamic and robust. Through the course of this project, I would see the entire length of the animation pipeline for a 3D animated film from start to finish. For the final output, I intend to have a film that conveys the narrative to its full potential while being done entirely using real-time production tools.

The aim of this project is to depict the great Tamil epic, Silaptikaram, by the Jain poet Ilango Adigal, written in the 17th century. I would like to make use of virtual production tools in Unreal Engine to do the same. Through the course of this film, I would like to bring to light the culture, fashion, and architecture of 17th-century Tamil Nadu during the rule of the Pandya Dynasty and do justice to depict the magnificence that it was. The last known depiction of the story of “Kannagi” was in the 1964 film "Poompuhar." Since then, there have been no active adaptations or retellings for the current generation. With this intent, I would like to use the current technology to retell the story of Kannagi in the best way I possibly can.

In this ambitious game design concept, the immersive world of virtual reality serves as the medium to bring to life the rich narrative of Kalki, a revered figure in Hindu mythology. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Indian scriptures, the game intricately weaves together the elements of nature to create a breathtaking and awe-inspiring experience. The first element, earth, forms the foundation of the game's virtual realm. Players would find themselves immersed in a meticulously crafted landscape with sprawling terrains, lush forests, and majestic mountains. The attention to detail would be paramount, ensuring that every step taken feels grounded and authentic. Next, the element of water would come into play, manifesting in the form of stunning rivers, serene lakes, and cascading waterfalls. The fluidity of the VR environment would be enhanced, allowing players to interact with water-based puzzles, navigate through treacherous currents, and witness the sheer beauty of aquatic life.

Real is different from natural. Animation is a language with or without words and has the potential to press the play button of an imaginary world. It’s a world where one can become what they want unconditionally. Why does one need to make a film? For me, a connection between thoughts may or may not provoke an idea, but it has the possibility to touch your soul without any prior knowledge. Why this subject? I want to help myself and others who are dealing with such situations. I believe that people like me are too emotional, but to survive with this reality is difficult even for strong minds. I can't help them but can touch layers for required action in order to sensitise many for such incidents. Also, we mainly focused on that missed child but couldn’t see what families go through and how they suffer. I want to explore that other side of a coin.

As a crucial element of an innovative project focused on exploring the creation of a virtual reality (VR) game set in space, I formulated an intriguing concept for a game trailer centred around the captivating story of Kalki, the ultimate incarnation of Vishnu. This narrative delves into the enthralling journey of Kalki as he acquires and masters the extraordinary powers derived from the five elements, akin to different levels of the game. Ultimately, his mission culminates in triumphing over the formidable demon Ripu. However, it also leads him to embark on a personal quest to discover the essence of space energy by seeking the wisdom of Shiva, the destroyer, and ultimately conquering Ripu as the final level of the game.

Laziness (also known as indolence) is disinclination to activity or exertion despite having the ability to act or to exert oneself. Laziness may reflect a lack of self-esteem, a lack of positive recognition by others, a lack of discipline stemming from low self-confidence, or a lack of interest in the activity or belief in its efficacy. Laziness may manifest as procrastination or vacillation.

In an era defined by the Santhal Revolution, Bhairu, a tribal warrior, joins forces with the legendary fighters Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu. Fuelled by a desire for justice, Bhairu seeks revenge against the oppressive zamindar who enslaved and exploited their community. This gripping film tells the tale of Bhairu’s relentless journey, intertwining courage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the tribal people. In the heartland of Jharkhand, India, amidst the rugged landscapes and dense forests, unfolds a tale of resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice. It is a story that harkens back to the year 1855, a time when the Zamindari system held a firm grip on the lives of the indigenous tribal communities. Bhairu, born and raised in a vibrant tribal village, was cherished by his parents and adored by his community. His upbringing instilled in him a deep reverence for nature and a profound sense of harmony with his surroundings. However, the tranquillity of his existence was shattered when tragedy struck his family, leaving him orphaned and fuelling an unyielding fire within his soul. At the tender age of ten, he was forced to confront the unbearable pain of losing his beloved parents. This devastating loss etched a deep scar upon his innocent soul, casting him into a world of sorrow and unquenchable rage.

The project aimed to enhance students' focus and learning by improving the online lecture on the 'Light Weight Palki for Vaishno Devi' case study. Its primary objective was to increase student engagement and responsiveness through the redefinition of learning objectives, course content restructuring, and the integration of visuals, illustrations, and animations. The original video and case study report were used as references for the restructuring, and the new video was shot and directed accordingly. Post-production involved adding elements like titles, slides, section breaks, supporting text, and visuals to finalise the project.

Photographs are the highway that connects you to the past, to the memories. A single picture's got the potential to take you back to the old days. They bundle off memories collected in frames. A photograph is worth a thousand words. So can a single photograph tell an entire story? Photographs are our memories frozen on paper. They bring back so many emotions. When we see a photograph, we remember the people in it. We recognise ourselves in it—the place, the smells, the sounds, and the surfaces our fingers touch. Photographs are from the past, collected for the future but not used in the present. Photographs are time stamps, which enable you to savour moments that would otherwise fly by quickly as an event and eventually from memory. The fascination with captivating moments such as paintings and drawings has prevailed since the early humans, which in their current form are photos. It is innate for one to be drawn to them. We might not often look back at the photos we capture, but if we don't, it leaves an itch in the mind that a moment is missed forever.

This abstract introduces a heartwarming yet cautionary story of a middle-aged woman's pursuit to impress her family through her cooking. After facing disappointment with her previous culinary attempts, she chances upon an expensive cooking sauce advertisement. Driven by the desire to change her family's perception of her cooking skills, she acquires the coveted sauce. With the sauce hidden away, the woman daydreams about the perfect occasion to use it. However, in a moment of frustration, she impulsively scolds her son for unknowingly stumbling upon it. As time passes, the sauce becomes forgotten amidst the clutter of the fridge. A stroke of luck presents itself when the sauce's expiry date aligns with a special occasion. Overflowing with excitement, she cooks dinner infused with the sauce, accidentally using the whole bottle. The flavours are a hit, but the family members' stomachs grow upset later. The story reflects the excessive possessiveness towards an object and how anticipation can lead to unforeseen consequences. It serves as a gentle reminder that true appreciation lies in simple gestures and that happiness should not depend on external validations.

This project explores the idea of the hip-hop montage by extending it into the domain of infomercials in an attempt to enhance the appeal. The project will be aiming to use fast cutting to create pace and rhythm by analysing the method of hip-hop montage used by directors like Darren Aronofsky and Edgar Wright. The project will be in the format of an infomercial (for a public transport) that aims to capture and recreate the chaos of the melee in a city like Mumbai, which on one hand can be chaotic but at the same time has an innate rhythm and soul. The montage was composed of found videos rather than using a storyboarded narrative. This is with an aim to explore how the narrated audio can be enhanced and re-interpreted by the visuals on the screen to derive meaning from the edit.

This short movie is inspired by a personal experience of getting lost in the riotous crowd of Mumbai. A crowd is an overwhelming and suffocating experience for most people; add to it the unruly madness of Bombay, and you get a very terrifying experience. Living all my life in Kochi, which has less than a fifth of the population of Mumbai, it was a sudden shock when I boarded my first public transport. However, after a few weeks, I felt the “Bheed” of Bombay had an innate synergy in how it functions. I aim to make a film that captures the disorder of the crowd and how it can be suffocating and confining but also moves and flows through the city.

The lungi, or dhoti, when it comes to the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, becomes a Mundu. The Mundu is still thriving attire because of the sleek, minimal design. Still in wide use among the population today, albeit restricted to ethnic days of campus and office functions. Nevertheless, there is a huge population that still uses the garment on a day-to-day basis. What sets a mundu apart from all other forms of garment is that it is a fabric with context. The flexibility it offers to convey emotions ranging from showing aggression to offering respect, the ability to adapt to situations like prepping for a fight to fleeing from one, or being an icon of political might to being a clothing of the common man. The Mundu transcends socio-economic barriers, gender, and age. The mockumentary aims to establish the supremacy of this seamless piece of fabric in the annals of fabric history.

The aim of this project is to learn how to weave on a tabletop loom and a glimarka, to practice all the steps from bobbin winding to preparing a loom for weaving, and then and then experimenting with designs and materials to create your own patterns. Alongside practicing the handcraft, we are also expected to learn the historical significance and the current events of the community of handcraftmen in India. The deliverables for this course are a 24-inch-long cloth on the table loom and a convocation scarf.

Having dealt with imposter syndrome, I wished to be able to express the feelings and hardships that come with it. The short film delves into the inner thoughts and emotions that one can go through even in the moment they shine the brightest.

As families start to include the use of tablets and phones in their children's daily lives, I wondered if I could experiment with storytelling that can be consumed over screens, and if so, how can I make it better than children's paper storybooks? The features that keep children engaged with screens more than books are their interactivity, colourful fun motions, and the freedom to do many things. This project entails writing a children's story and making it into an interactive motion comic for children of the ages 6–12.

Hip-hop montage is a subset of fast cutting used in film to portray a complex action through a rapid series of simple actions in fast motion, accompanied by sound effects. ‘Fast cutting’ is a film editing technique that refers to several consecutive shots. It can be used to quickly convey much information or to imply either energy or chaos. Fast cutting is also frequently used when shooting dialogue between two or more characters, changing the viewer's perspective to either focus on the reaction of another character's dialogue or to bring to attention the non-verbal actions of the speaking character. The thought of conveying an idea through a series of short clips is an interesting concept to study. I would like to explore how consecutive closeup shots make a great hip hop montage sequence and would also like to study why rhythm is a very pivotal part of making a very effective hip hop montage. Using this technique, I would like to explore the beginning to end journey of any inanimate object that we are very familiar with but are not aware of the story/journey behind its creation.

This short film is inspired by the bizarre events that occur in my life when I procrastinate on all important tasks. Even though procrastination is a serious universal problem that I am dealing with, I find it amusing and interesting how I can become an extremely productive person simply by doing all the unimportant things but the main task that needs to be done. When I'm nearing the end of this madness and the panic sets in, I realise how consistently I've been doing every other unimportant activity just to avoid working on that one major task. This A-Z madness is very interesting to tell as a story to me. And this short film is an attempt to tell a story about the events that occur while procrastinating in a fun way while also making people think about it.

‘Pankh’ from their debut album 'BAYAAN' is one of my all-time favourite songs by the Delhi-based duo ‘Seedhe Maut’ and Bawari Basanti. I have a strong desire to create an animated music video for this track. The song ‘Pankh’ was inspired by the societal pressure that forces the younger generation to conform to the majority’s path. In the song, both Calm and Encore ABJ share relatable verses, recounting their own experiences growing up in such an environment. The central message of ‘Pankh’ is to break free from these constraints, just as the artists did. They encourage the youth to spread their wings of creativity, hard work, and individuality and fly away to a place where they can freely express themselves, grow, and create. My goal is to visually capture the struggles and challenges depicted in the song through an animated music video. By doing so, I hope to convey the powerful message of ‘Pankh,’ inspiring others to embrace their uniqueness and find their own path to freedom and self-expression.

In recent years, the delta of the Sundarbans has experienced various climate-related challenges, including rising sea levels, erosion of islands, and severe cyclones. These changes have had far-reaching effects, especially on the people living there. We visualise the data of one such island in the Indian Sundarbans delta, severely affected by erosion, known as Ghoramara island. Through an examination of the available scientific literature and a brief field study, this paper seeks to provide a comprehensive visual overview of the current state of the climatic parameters of the area and its environmental refugees targeted toward policymakers. This paper is a designerly reflection on the data visualisation we created on the same.

The topic I chose for this 1-minute animation film was ‘Unusual friendships’. Owing to the purposeful vagueness of the term, I set about asking myself a set of questions that I would like to conceptually answer before the ideas started to flow. Friendship is a mutual rapport or bonding between two individuals, sparked from a place of common interest. Unlike relationships bound by blood (parents, siblings, relatives) or morality and legal procedures (spouse), friendship occurs at one’s own discretion and multiple times in one’s lifetime. Due to the non-obligate nature of this relationship, friendship encourages comfort and encouragement between the two friends. So, following a standardised pattern, the people we choose to be friends with are mostly the ones we share a large common ground with. This being established, I decided to analyse my topic closely.

Urbanisation may be a blessing for our country’s economy, but the silent sufferers of it are the wildlife who are losing their habitats to it. Whether it be due to habitat loss or easy availability of food, many animals choose to stay in or near human cities despite the risk. In Kolkata, some of the animals that commonly stay in the proximity of human settlements are common palm civet cats, small Indian civet cats, golden jackals, jungle cats, Indian grey mongoose, etc. In recent years, due to easy connectivity and the efforts of NGOs and the Forest Department, rehabilitation of such wild animals, if found in a human settlement, has become common. However, due to irrational fear, a sense of achievement, and mythical stories passed down generations, these animals are often harmed for simply existing. This project revolves around the Common Palm civet, a nocturnal animal of the Viverridae family who frequents semi-urban and rural places in West Bengal. Civet cats are small carnivores with short legs, pointed noses, and a long, thick tail. Their diet consists of small rodents like rats, squirrels, amphibians like frogs, insects, and even small birds and their eggs. They also eat fruits like bananas, pineapple, roots, grass, and even honey. There are majorly two types of civet cats found in and near Kolkata: the common/Asian palm civet (which is seen more commonly) and the small Indian civet (whose sightings are rare). For the past few years, the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department, West Bengal, has experienced a rise in the number of calls and mails regarding civet depredation. (Mallick, 2019, 48). It is reported that at least 20 civets, which have strayed into people‘s homes, are being brought to the rescue centre. Every Kolkata has a history, and its rich culture and heritage are apparent as one walks through the streets.

Half Fry is a short film of roughly one minute, highly autobiographical in nature, which, through a rather heightened metaphor, attempts to express the urgency of maintaining good health. Our protagonist, a young woman who throughout development has only gone by ‘S’, neglects sleep and food in lieu of work. This, however, is unacceptable to the creature—aan alter ego who decides to take matters of self-care into her own hands after suffering from S’s neglectful behaviour. The film, animated frame-by-frame in Photoshop, serves to remind viewers (and the creator herself!) that if you do not take care of your body, your body will force you to do so through far more unpleasant methods. The following report describes the processes of conceptualisation, development, and production of the short film. Along with details of the creation process are discussions on the themes, inspirations, and creative logic that have contributed to the film.

Museums have become interactive in the modern world. Instead of just reading the information provided, the users can also interact and engage with the information that is provided. By combining the available techniques of augmented, virtual, and mixed realities, it is now possible to give users wonderful, memorable experiences of a museum. One of the main factors for these experiences is storytelling through animation. The aim of this project is to explore all these possibilities in terms of 2D animation and create a unique experience for the users of the Basava international museum through the vachanas of Basavanna.

This project is an attempt to depict the emotions of two children who come from different classes of society and are unaware of how the world works. Even though the kids are from different classes, they feel the grass is greener on the other side. The story takes place in Mumbai, where two kids happen to meet each other by chance, and they imagine themselves happier on the other side. The story was inspired by my personal experience of travelling in Mumbai. I have tried to convey the feelings and emotions of kids who feel they don't have what the others have.

This project is about a folklore that was spread across northern Kerala 50 to 100 years ago. The 2D animated short film is about "Odiyan," who were people who practiced the occult art of shapeshifting into animals and were hired as assassins. The aim was to show how the caste discrimination and other tortures by the upper caste people led to the rise of Odiyans during those times. I have tried to convey the feeling of oppression that was faced by the people from the lower caste back then.

Bahuroopia is a story about a father and his daughter who want to escape an enslavement facility that has been taken over by evil robots. These robots threaten the freedom of human beings and make them work for their own benefits. The father will do anything to free his child from the enslavers. The year is 2727, and robots have taken over the world, enslaving the human race. In one such facility, Guru, a human worker forced to build robots, plans a daring escape to save his daughter, Api, who is held captive. He cleverly steals a robot head and disguises himself as one of them. However, the disguise can only take them so far, and escaping becomes a true test of courage and wit.

This is a film on the deromanticization of love, and it talks about the broken marriage of a young couple. The couple has a child called Bhumi, and she is the innocent flower that attempts to bring them together. The film revolves around a morning routine gone wrong in the early hours of the Iyer household. Decoding a subject as elusive as love is no easy task. It is a concept that invites countless perspectives and interpretations. Exploring it often involves navigating sensitive boundaries of privacy and emotion. Love reveals itself in the simplest moments of daily life, yet remains one of the most profound human experiences. It is often mistaken for happiness, though happiness is only a small part of it. Love encompasses a vast spectrum of emotions—joy, fear, insecurity, fulfillment, and vulnerability. It can be both daunting and uplifting, complex and effortless—everything and nothing at the same time.

"This short film explores the irreversible consequences of climate change, focusing on the immediate and devastating impact of the Yamuna flood near Delhi. Thousands of residents were displaced, forced to leave everything behind with no clear destination. The film highlights the struggles of these individuals, raising awareness about the urgent need for action and support. Through 2D animation, this project not only brings attention to a significant environmental crisis but also represents a personal learning journey in animation, emphasizing the importance of empathy and climate resilience."

"Embrace" is a 3D animated film that explores the emotional impact of hair loss on young people in India, where over 50% of men experiencing hair loss are under 25. Inspired by this issue, the film highlights the emotional and technological aspects of hair restoration in an AI-driven future. Artificial intelligence (AI) makes machines smart, allowing them to learn, solve problems, and make decisions. This technology includes machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing. AI is driving innovations in healthcare, finance, and more but also raises concerns about data privacy, bias, and job loss. In "Embrace," young individuals face the emotional and social challenges of hair loss. Set in a future with advanced AI-powered hair restoration solutions, the characters undergo personal transformations, leading to a surprising twist. Through compelling storytelling and stunning visuals, "Embrace" emphasizes self-acceptance, empathy, and the search for personal identity amid technological progress.

"When Ink Turns Red" is a 2D animated short film that explores the struggles of living with uncontrollable anger and the emotional turmoil it creates. Set in a violent household, it follows a young boy who channels his pain and frustration through drawing, using art as his only escape. The film’s visual style, inspired by children’s sketches, intensifies its emotional impact and offers a raw, honest look into the chaos of anger. Through its simple yet powerful imagery, the film highlights how anger, though a natural human emotion, can become destructive when left unchecked—affecting mental health, relationships, and one’s sense of peace. Ultimately, "When Ink Turns Red" serves as a reflection on the importance of emotional awareness and the need to find calm amidst internal storms.

On My Own Left Alone" is a 2D animated short film that explores the human mental state of loneliness, depicting the awkwardness of being alone and the struggle to approach others. Set in an office environment, the story follows Budd, who finds it difficult to connect with colleagues due to his mental state. The animation uses weird and odd movements to emphasize the character's uneasiness, creating a visually unique and emotionally resonant portrayal of loneliness. Loneliness is a complex and often distressing emotional state that arises when individuals perceive a gap between their desired and actual social relationships. It can be experienced even when surrounded by others, as it is not solely about physical isolation but also about the quality and depth of connections. Loneliness can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, leading to feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and disconnection.

In today’s fast-paced world, people are often consumed by demanding work schedules, leaving little room to reconnect with nature and find inner peace. Yet, activities such as exercising, reading, trekking, listening to music, or simply spending time in natural surroundings can be powerful ways to rejuvenate the mind and body. Among these, immersing oneself in nature stands out as one of the most effective means of refreshment and renewal. This concept is explored through the use of real-life metaphors like a Rubik’s cube and a watch, symbolizing balance and time. The idea emphasizes that with mindful time management, individuals can create space for meaningful activities, ultimately bridging the connection between productivity, relaxation, and the natural world.

Rangbhumi" delves into the perceptions of actors and directors regarding plays and dramas, focusing on their experiences while writing, acting, and directing. It also touches on how their work impacts their relationships with family members. There's a common saying that play characters should be left at the theater and not brought home. Inspired by this idea, I developed a story that explores this concept. The narrative examines how we sometimes become entangled in our imaginary thoughts, stories, and the characters we portray. It highlights the struggle to detach from these creations and the search for solutions to separate our on-stage personas from our real lives. Additionally, when we read certain stories or become deeply involved in them, it can be challenging to forget the thoughts and emotions they provoke. This can influence our mindset, sometimes bringing crime vibes or other intense feelings that linger and affect us. "Rangbhumi" seeks to portray the complexities of being immersed in the world of theatre and the efforts required to maintain a balance between our creative lives and our personal realities.

In the gentle dance of drifting friendships, "Unsent" tells a heartfelt story of Agnes and Sashya, delving into the complexities of unspoken words, diverging paths, and the lingering hope for reconnection. The film explores universal themes of friendship, misunderstanding, and emotional distance—reflecting on how small disagreements can grow into silence and separation. Through its sensitive portrayal, "Unsent" captures the pain of unresolved conflicts and the hesitation that often holds people back from reaching out, highlighting the fragile yet enduring bonds that define human relationships.

The game 'Fragmented' is a memory labyrinth where a girl unravels her past through an immersive journey of interactive storytelling. An experimental game design project that explores the magical interplay between light, shadow, and imagination through a tabletop augmented reality (AR) interface. In this enchanting game, users interact with tangible blocks on a displayable table top, unleashing a fantasy ecosystem where shadows transform ordinary objects into extraordinary realms.

"The Junk Trap" is an engaging animated short film that aims to inform and entertain audiences by shedding light on the harmful effects of junk food consumption and the ease with which addiction to unhealthy eating can develop. The story follows a junk food–addicted protagonist drawn into a world of vibrant colors, tempting textures, and irresistible designs that symbolize the seductive nature of processed foods. Through visual metaphors such as packaging, nostalgia, social influence, and emotional triggers, the film illustrates how junk food manipulates human senses and behavior. As the addiction deepens, the narrative reveals the physical and emotional toll it takes on the body, depicted through body morphism. Ultimately, "The Junk Trap" serves as a creative reflection on modern eating habits, encouraging awareness and positive behavioural change toward healthier living.

Shared Palette" is a 3-minute animated short film that delves into the complex emotions and challenges faced by young, closeted queer individuals and the identity, desires, and societal expectations placed upon them. Through the lens of this intimate narrative, the film aims to shed light on the struggles and triumphs of the community, fostering a sense of understanding and inclusivity. This project aims to be more than just a coming-of-age story. It seeks to break stereotypes surrounding curiosity and coming out, showcasing the vulnerability that young individuals face when exploring their identities.

I'm Possible is a powerful and inspiring short animated film based on the true story of Arunima Sinha, the first female amputee to conquer Mount Everest. The film captures Arunima's indomitable spirit and unwavering determination, highlighting how her resolve transcends physical limitations. From the traumatic accident that led to the loss of her leg to the grueling training and the formidable challenges of the Everest climb, the animation vividly portrays Arunima's journey. It focuses on her inner strength, resilience, and the unyielding belief in her own potential, illustrating that true triumph lies in the determination to rise above adversity. Through breathtaking visuals and emotional storytelling, Against the Summit celebrates the extraordinary courage of a woman who defied all odds to achieve the impossible.

"Gulabachi Katha," meaning "Tale of a Rose," is a poignant film that explores the universal theme of grief and the journey toward accepting the reality of loss. The narrative reflects on the importance of remembering loved ones and cherishing the memories they leave behind. Guided by instinct rather than conventional research methods, the film captures the emotional depth of mourning while emphasizing the healing power of remembrance. Through heartfelt conversations and shared experiences of loss, "Gulabachi Katha" uncovers a common thread of resilience and hope—revealing how, even in the face of sorrow, people find comfort in the enduring presence and positive energy of those who have passed on. It stands as a gentle reminder that while loss creates a void, love and memory continue to guide and strengthen us.

Expectations are an inherent part of life, shaping how individuals anticipate the future and influencing their actions and emotions. They can inspire success and happiness when realistic, but over-expectation or misaligned hopes often lead to disappointment. While expectations vary in scale and context, their common aim is the pursuit of fulfillment and joy. Assessing the reasons behind expectations and aligning them with genuine needs increases the likelihood of contentment, regardless of the outcome, making thoughtful expectation a key to emotional balance and well-being.

This project explores the realm of 360° animation filmmaking, combining 2D and 3D techniques to create an immersive storytelling experience. The film focuses on the themes of courage and bravery, highlighting how individuals respond to fear in different ways. Courage is depicted as the ability to face danger despite apprehension, while bravery reflects an immediate, fearless response to a threatening situation. Fear itself is portrayed as an imagined response, often shaped by past experiences or external influences. By blending innovative animation techniques with these psychological concepts, the film aims to deliver a visually engaging and thought-provoking exploration of human resilience and the nature of fear.

"A Stare in the Wild" is a short film that explores the delicate intersection of human and wildlife life through the contrasting landscapes of Mumbai’s serene Kanheri Caves and the bustling urban environment of Aarey Colony. Following a lone traveler immersed in nature and a stealthy leopard navigating its habitat, the film captures the tension and unexpected encounters that emerge as human expansion encroaches on wildlife. The contrasting locations serve as a metaphor for the shrinking boundaries between the wild and the city, highlighting the fragile balance between development and conservation. Through breathtaking visuals, immersive natural sounds, and a compelling narrative, the film provokes reflection on the consequences of human activity, the resilience of nature, and the urgent need to foster a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the natural world.

This film is inspired by the universal fascination with cats and their playful, mysterious behavior. Drawing from the popularity of cat-related content on social media, the project explores the charm, curiosity, and unique personality traits of these animals. The film serves as both an artistic exploration and a reflection on the joy and intrigue that cats bring into everyday life, highlighting the connection between humans and these enigmatic creatures through engaging storytelling and visual experimentation. The story follows a solitary artist living alone in a cozy, slightly cluttered apartment, whose life is deeply intertwined with the memory of her cat, Whiskers. Her days are filled with quiet routines, yet she constantly senses Whiskers’ comforting and playful presence around her, from making her bed to preparing breakfast. Surrounded by paintings and artworks of her beloved cat, she experiences moments where memories and imagination blur, making her feel accompanied by love and nostalgia. In this space, her art seems to come alive, capturing the enduring bond between her and Whiskers.

“Post Office” is an animated short film adapted from a short story by Dhumketu of the same name. It is a story of a parent’s love for their child, and it is a story that celebrates values of dedication, patience, and honesty. As the story progresses, the people at the post office who laugh at the protagonist come to understand his pain and feel pity. This film adapts the emotional short story “Post Office” by Dhumketu, focusing on themes of parental longing, faith, and selfless love. To condense the ten-page story into a one-minute film, several adaptations were made: the character of Ali, originally a ruthless hunter, is streamlined to emphasize his yearning for his daughter Miriam; the postmaster’s role is reimagined as Laxmidas, a curious new postman who searches the village for Ali upon the arrival of a letter, creating a connection between them; and Miriam’s presence is minimized, appearing only through her name to maintain ambiguity while preserving the story’s emotional core. These adjustments ensure the essence of longing and human connection remains intact within the condensed narrative.

“Red or Blue” is a 2D animated short film on riots. It follows a barber who joins the fight for his community and experiences the horror of riots. The visuals are inspired by the Gujarat 2002 riots, and the style as well as the pace of the film is set to be boiling in every frame to depict the urgency of the situation. The film focuses on the experiences of a grandfather during communal riots, highlighting the turmoil he faced alongside familial challenges. Through research and storytelling, the project explores the complexities of historical events and their personal impact, emphasizing the fascination and significance of these moments in shaping individual and collective experiences.

The project titled "Udankhatola" explores the theme of "freedom" through the metaphor of a flying machine. The narrative follows a character who constructs a flying machine to escape the constraints of their environment, symbolizing the human desire for liberation and the challenges faced in pursuing it. The animation employs a blend of traditional and digital techniques to convey the emotional journey of the character, aiming to evoke a sense of wonder and introspection in the audience. "Udankhatola" serves as a creative exploration of freedom, ambition, and the human spirit's resilience.

"A Bait" is an animated short film developed by Suraj Singh during his M.Des. program at IDC, IIT Bombay (2022–2024), under the supervision of Prof. Aditi Chitre. The film delves into the theme of "manipulation," portraying how individuals can be subtly influenced or controlled through psychological tactics. Through a compelling narrative and engaging animation techniques, "A Bait" aims to shed light on the complexities of human behavior and the ethical considerations surrounding manipulation. The project serves as both an artistic exploration and a reflection on the impact of subtle influences in everyday interactions.