Roads Less Travelled

I didn't expect Roads Less Travelled to affect me the way it did. It's not loud, it doesn't try to shock or impress - instead, it quietly finds a corner of your heart and settles there.

Maybe it's because I've also stood in places that used to mean something to me - temples, trails, stations - hoping to feel the presence of someone who's no longer around. This film understands that longing. That feeling of talking to someone who isn't really there, but also very much is - in memory, in silence, in wind.

The story follows Ruhan, who returns to a temple after receiving a cryptic note. He meets Akanksha there. At first, it feels like a simple story of reconnection... but as the layers peel away, it becomes clear that this is about grief, closure, and learning to let go.

Garima Murarka as Akanksha feels like a whisper - gentle, grounding, and haunting in the best way. Her monologue near the end genuinely broke me. And Shourya as Ruhan plays grief with eyes that feel heavy from remembering too much. That felt familiar. Too familiar.

Visually, the film is beautiful - hills drenched in morning light, silence that speaks louder than music, and threads tied with hopes and hurts. There's a softness to every frame.

Would rate this 8.5/10 not because it is not perfect - but because it made me feel few emotions i didn't wanted to. And in a world of noise, sometimes a quiet reminder that love never truly leaves us... is all you need.

I don't know if everyone will get it. But if you've ever loved someone, lost them, and kept them alive in a memory - you will.

And you'll be glad you took this road.

"Roads Less Travelled" is a beautifully crafted short film that explores the emotional weight of life choices. Directed by Shourya Kumar Lal, the film presents a simple yet powerful story which remains unknown to the viewers till the very end.

The performances of both the actors are natural and believable, especially considering the short runtime. Both Shourya and Garima did justice to their respective roles. They feel real, and their emotional conflicts are portrayed with subtlety. The cinematography is clean and purposeful-it supports the mood without being too flashy.

The film doesn't try to over-explain or over-dramatize. Instead, it allows the viewer to reflect on their own experiences, which is the strength of the film.

For anyone who enjoys short films that are introspective and emotionally grounded, Roads Less Travelled is definitely worth watching.

Final Verdict: A meaningful short film that stays with you after the credits roll.

When I first heard about Roads Less Travelled, I thought, "Here we go - Shourya in his comfort zone again," so I was sure it would be good. But what I didn't expect was for it to exceed expectations by such a big margin.

From the opening frame, the setting grips you. It may sound like a travel film on the surface, but it unfolds into something far more emotional and layered. The storytelling relies heavily on silences, glances, and quiet gestures rather than loud drama - which makes it so effective.

Ruhan and Akanksha's journey is beautifully built. And then, in the last 4 minutes, the film takes a complete turn. That's where it hits the hardest. The ache, the closure, the realisation - it stays with you.

Garima Murarka as Akanksha is a perfect. There's a softness and strength in her performance that's rare. She doesn't act - she just is. Her monologue scene is one of the most moving pieces I've seen in a long time. Sweet yet It feels like she poured her soul into it.

Shourya Kumar Lal, both as a performer and director, has delivered a deeply personal film. His restraint and emotional clarity in both aspects shine throughout. You can know how close this story is to his heart. Follows a very subtle, perfect not OTT Performance!

The visuals, the music, the writing - everything is in sync. It's not just a short film, it's a quiet emotional experience.

Roads Less Travelled is one of those films that doesn't try too hard to impress, but ends up leaving a lasting impression. You'll feel, you'll tear up, and you'll remember it.