Chutney

Top class acting, top class writing work. I loved how director used Bhisham Sahni's Saag Meat in different narration.

Chutney is one of the best shorts I have watched in recent times, that has come out of India. Apart from great acting by all actors/actresses, it the story-telling that is the USP of this awesome short film. For those who don't know what 'Chutney' is: It a condiment of Indian origin; made by mixing coriander, lemon, ginger, chili with vinegar, spices, sugar, salt; that is a mix of spicy, sweet, sour tastes. The movie starts with a topic that has been shown/used in hundreds of films till now, but as the movie progresses, you are being served a chutney of sweet spicy sour twists, which takes that ordinary-topic to a altogether new high. This movie uses following modes of story-telling that makes it a great must-watch film: (1) Multi-layered narration: Every statement that is spoken has multiple meanings (2) Multi-storied narration: Multiple partially-related parallel stories run along with the main story (3) Cyclic narration: Everything said or shown is connected deeply to each other. Watch & Enjoy!

Chutney is an incredible short film, as relishable as the dish itself.

When Rasika insists on Vanita teaching her some of the most delicious recipes she knows, Vanita invites her over to her house the following day. Vanita is portrayed as a plain woman on the surface, hailing from Ghaziabad and unbeknownst to the ways of the modern world. However, when Rasika arrives at her doorstep the next day, she serves her a savoury chutney. The rest of the narrative includes her telling the blood-curling story of how she finally got to plant her kitchen garden.

Tisca Chopra's delivery is impeccable, as are the expressions portrayed by Rasika Dugal. The simple yet effective cinematography aids in building a perfect atmosphere for Vanita's character - simple when perceived. Just as there is much more to the flavour of a simple mouth-watering chutney than what appears, there is more to Vanita than what all the women in the society or even her spouse makes of her.

Indeed, Chutney is a brilliantly ambiguous mystery short, presenting a nicely constructed narrative of nuanced symbolism through metaphoric and poetic undertones of love and revenge. Chutney, the sauce, is a very smart addition to that and a strong motif in the presentation. The gloomy atmosphere is enhanced by solid cinematography and dialogue. Script-wise, the story is so meticulous I'm sure many would have to watch it several times to completely understand the message behind it. I for one watched it twice just to make sure I didn't miss anything. One thing is sure - the short is eminently watchable and suspenseful both in the way it's written but particularly in how well it is narrated.

Indeed, the film's efficiency almost fully depends on its narration, carried out by its strongest asset, Tisca Chopra. That the film works so well is the direct outcome of how well she narrates the story, and it is further enhanced by her excellent performance in the flashbacks. Chopra creates a character so simple and unassuming on the surface that her gradual peeling becomes a strong climax in and of itself. Her face, expression, and casual dialogue delivery are spot on, as the growing danger in her tone, as well as the growing emptiness in her eyes, make the film increasingly creepier. Rasika Dugal is a great listener. Chutney is overall one of the better among the recent shorts you'll see.

This is ultimate ...watch it...I couldn't believe that I was watching a hindi movie ...kudos to the director and the main actor ..such an intense movie ..watch for 2 minute and you can't take your eyes/ear off.