It is disheartening to see veteran filmmakers like Shyam Benegal present films that are so bad you wonder how they got silver screen releases. A collection of short dramas, this one fails to impress.
Surrounding the topic of how "noise" is a part of all our lives and how we are so used to it, the anthology begins with a short titled "Azaad", which narrates the story of an activist who writes about noise pollution and who is threatened by the right-wing. It is a finely made film, with the only problem being there is no clarity about what the director wanted to primarily convey. The second one, titled "Aamer", is the only one that is worth watching - about a deaf young boy who gets to 'hear' for the first time, but is not sure if he likes his new 'gift'. Another one that warrants a mention is "Yellow Tin-Can Telephone" which tries to talk about a sudden relationship between two misfits with certain physical shortcomings. A nicely-shot, colorful film narrated in English - it is at least great to look at. Rest of the shorts are either badly made or are just plain boring.
Does not make sense to spend your time on these average short films when there is better, more creative content available online.
BOTTOM LINE: "Shor Se Shuruaat" may have had great intentions, but most of the short films look like they are the worst products of first- year film students. Watch the ones I have mentioned on YouTube, and be done with it.
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES
