Brief yet powerful storytelling is what short films are. Even though they are short and sweet they have the ability to stir up strong feelings, deliver crucial details, and exhibit remarkable creativity. Short filmmakers have a limited amount of time, so they generally become experts in telling stories. To keep viewers interested, they frequently use crisp dialogue, clever visual effects, and powerful imagery. Looking at it from the director’s perspective, short films also provide them with an abundance of opportunities to experiment, since they can explore unorthodox themes and inventive storytelling strategies. Lastly, short films also serve as a stage for upcoming artists to display their abilities and pave the way for them to make a mark in mainstream films. All in all, short films show that extraordinary things can be found in little packaging.

We have a list of films like Jahaan, Khujli and Bebaak that are incredible short films which are not only loved by the audience but are also winners of the prestigious Black Lady across different categories. 

The plot of this film revolves around Brijesh and Manju Singh who are hosting a family get-together on one particularly hot evening. Something unexpected happens while the women are in the kitchen preparing supper for their husbands and the husbands remain in the living room talking about daily issues. The film stars Shefali Shah and Manish Chaudhari in pivotal roles and is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. The duration of the film is about 15 minutes. It won two Filmfare Short Film Awards at the 63rd Filmfare Awards, including Best Short Film (Fiction) and Best Actress in a Short Film for Shefali Shah.

The film captures the journey of a young and madly in love couple, living in a house that they feel emotionally attached to. Different turns of events take place as the estate broker is trying to find a new tenant while the couple has no intention to let go of the house. The film starts as a heartwarming story but eventually turns into a group of haunting events. It is directed by Celina John and stars Mrunal Thakur and Avinash Tiwary in central roles. The duration of the film is 13 minutes. It won Filmfare Best Short Film (Fiction) and Best Actress in a Short Film for Mrunal Thakur in 2023. The above is the film’s trailer and the film available on OTT.

In Soul-Kadhi, a teenage orphan named Radha and her new mother-in-law Uma form an uncanny bond over the course of one magical night in deep Konkan. The night before the old Wada where they stay is converted into a home-stay, the two rebellious women confide in one another about their fears and anxiety for the future. The film stars Shubhangi Gokhale, Niranjan Kulkarni and Sameeha Sabnis in pivotal roles. This film is co-directed by Sameeha Sabnis and Shoneel Yallattikar and has a running time of 13 minutes. The film won Filmfare Short Film Award in the the People’s Choice Award category in 2023.

Based on an actual event, Bebaak explores the systemic religious assumption that women must cover up in order to be more humble, respectful, and acceptable by society. This sense of male agency over female bodies is patriarchal. It narrates the story of Fatin, a young woman from a low-income household who, while applying for a scholarship, encounters chauvinism and receives criticism from a religious leader. The film stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sheeba Chaddha, Sarah Hashmi and Vipin Sharma in major roles. This film is directed by Shazia Iqbal and has a duration of 20 minutes. It won two Filmfare Short Film Awards in 2020, including Best Short Film (Fiction) and Best Actress in a Short Film for Sarah Hashmi. The above is the film’s trailer and the film available on OTT.

The narrative of this evocative film about teachers follows a biology teacher whose life alters during the pandemic when he is required to teach lessons online. One night, after struggling and deciding to quit, he gets an unexpected call. The film stars Raghuvir Yadav and is directed by Sameer Sharma. The duration of the film is a little over 9 minutes. The film won one Filmfare Short Film Award which is the People’s Choice Award for Best Film in 2022.

A group of women who are victims of rape, are compelled to live together in a limited space but when someone knocks on their door, they have to be compassionate and supportive of the most recent victim. The film stars Kajol, Neha Dhupia, Shruti Haasan, Yashaswini Dayama, Mukta Barve and Shivani Raghuvanshi. Devi is directed by Priyanka Banerjee and has a running time of 20 minutes. It won the People’s Choice Award for Best Film in 2021 at the Filmfare Short Film Awards.

Set in the aftermath of the 26/11 attacks, the celebratory birthday dinner of Chef Vijay Kapoor turns into a painful conversation and unsettling truths are uncovered over a meal of Rogan Josh. The film stars Naseeruddin Shah, Bhuvan Arora and Shishir Sharma. The film is directed by Sanjeev Vig and has a duration of 17 minutes. It won the Best Short Film (Fiction) at the Filmfare Short Film Awards in 2019.

Young and feisty, Dimpy is tired with her husband Jeet’s controlling and possessive mother. She plans to go to her married home in Kapurthala, pick up her belongings, and then head back to her father’s house in Delhi, so much so that she boards the Hoshiarpur Express at Delhi Station late one night. While travelling, she has an encounter with the young 22-year-old passenger who shares the aisle berth in the AC II Tier cabin. Then, she discovers the reality about the young Army soldier who accompanied her on her journey and delivered her the lesson that acceptance always exists wherever there is love and understanding. Divya Dutta and Bhuvan Bam play major roles in this film that has a duration of 18 minutes. It is directed by Jyoti Kapur Das and won People’s Choice Award for Best Film at at the Filmfare Short Film Awards in 2019.

A middle-aged married guy who has repressed his desires discovers in his son’s room a pair of pink handcuffs. His wife surprises him even more when he confronts her with revealing information and bringing back long-lost desires. The film stars Neena Gupta, Archak Chhabra, Jackie Shroff and Rani Patwar in pivotal roles. The film has a duration of 16 minutes and is directed by Sonam Nair. The movie resulted in Jackie Shroff winning the Best Actor (Male) award at the Filmfare Short Film Awards in 2018.

When Vanita notices her husband getting cosy with another lady, she invites her home. Things become foggy and gloomy as they continue their talk over some fritters and chutney. This comedy thriller stars Tisca Chopra, Rasika Dugal and Adil Hussain in pivotal roles. The film is directed by Jyoti Kapur Das and has a running time of about 17 minutes. It won two Filmfare Short Film Awards 2017, including Best Short Film (Fiction) and Best Actress in a Short Film for Tisca Chopra.