Best Indian Short Films You Must Watch
Ever been moved to tears, struck by silence or left with a lingering thought, all in under 20 minutes? That’s the magic of a powerful short film. In a world where attention is fleeting, the best short films carve space for stories that hit hard and fast, yet stay with you long after the credits roll.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Chutney – A Slow Simmering Drama
- Manoranjan – Unearthing Emotional Shadows
- Anukul – Relation Between Humans & Machines
- Carbon – A Warning from the Future
- Rogan Josh – Cooked Till Perfection
- Conclusion
Short films in India have seen a creative revolution: raw, honest and often ahead of their time. From quiet heartbreaks to bold social commentaries, these cinematic gems prove you don’t need three hours to tell a story that matters.
Let’s dive into five you simply shouldn’t miss
1. Chutney – A Slow Simmering Drama
‘Chutney’ is one of the most gripping Indian short films, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after you finish watching it.
The story unfolds in a quiet neighbourhood where Vanita, played by Tisca Chopra, appears to be a simple, unassuming housewife. But as she invites a neighbour over under the guise of sharing recipes, the conversation slowly turns into something far more unsettling.
Tisca Chopra’s calm and nuanced delivery brings Vanita to life, at first gentle and soft‑spoken, then slowly revealing layers of strength and cunning that are both surprising and powerful. ‘Chutney’ is a fine example of how much punch can be packed into a short film.
2. Manoranjan – Unearthing Emotional Shadows
‘Manoranjan’ is a compelling Indian short film that grips you from the outset. What seems like a simple visit quickly turns into a tense, eerie encounter when an unexpected guest enters Lalita’s life, an ordinary homemaker whose calm exterior hides something unsettling.
As the story unfolds, quiet exchanges and subtle expressions reveal deeper, darker layers beneath the surface, making every moment feel unpredictable and intriguing.
At the heart of ‘Manoranjan’ is Gul Panag’s nuanced performance, which brings Lalita to life with remarkable depth and control. Her portrayal is understated yet powerful, a blend of slight predictability and intensity that keeps audiences hooked.
3. Anukul – Relation Between Humans & Machines
‘Anukul’ is one of the most thoughtful Indian short films based on Satyajit Ray’s short story, blending science fiction with real human dilemmas. Set in Kolkata, the story follows Nikunj Chaturvedi, a simple Hindi teacher who decides to bring home a humanoid robot named Anukul to help with everyday tasks.
At first, ‘Anukul’ seems like the perfect assistant, quietly doing what he is programmed to do. But as he becomes part of Nikunj’s life, the boundaries between machine logic and human emotion begin to blur, leading to moments that are surprising, thought‑provoking and quietly intense.
What makes this short film stand out is how it gradually raises questions about intelligence, ethics and how we define our relationships with technology. The stellar performances by Saurabh Shukla and Parambrata Chatterjee makes this short film a must-watch for everyone.
4. Carbon – A Warning from the Future
‘Carbon’ is an Indian short movie that is striking and takes you deep into a future in which clean air has become a rare, precious resource. Set in 2067, the story follows Random, a man with an artificial heart, as he tries to survive in a world where oxygen is scarce and survival sometimes means making impossible choices.
The film paints a thought‑provoking picture of how environmental neglect could shape human lives and relationships in the years to come.
A standout element of ‘Carbon’ is the presence of Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who plays a compelling contract killer from Mars. Siddiqui brings his usual intensity and depth even in a shorter screen time, making every moment he appears feel significant and layered.
5. Rogan Josh – Cooked Till Perfection
‘Rogan Josh’ is a deeply moving short film that unfolds around a birthday dinner hosted by a celebrated chef, that slowly reveals something much more profound beneath its warm setting.
What begins as a simple family gathering becomes a quiet, emotional journey into shared memories and unspoken tensions, all culminating in a moment that stays with you long after the film ends. The performances in this film are truly captivating. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah brings remarkable depth and subtlety to his role as Vijay Kapoor, carefully anchoring the storyline with calm dignity and the much-needed emotional nuance.
Conclusion
These stories prove why the best short films in India continue to leave a lasting impact in just a few minutes. From quiet drama to sharp thrillers, Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts’ best Indian short films celebrate honest storytelling at its finest.
Explore a curated world of powerful narratives on the Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts YouTube channel, where every film is crafted to be savoured, one memorable moment at a time.
