55 km/sec
RATING
Introduction
It has been a while since I have reviewed a short film, so I thought why not today. So I have just finished watching the short film 55km/sec on Disney Plus Hotstar. Yes, we at popcorn reviewss like to be the voice for smaller content creators as well. But the thing that attracted to be instantly was that this was a sci-fi short directed by Arati Kadav who had earlier directed one of the best films of 2020 Cargo, during the lockdown! If that doesn’t excite you, not sure what will. Probably too good to be believable, is it worth your time, stay tuned.
Story & Screenplay
55km/sec is story of, I will take a pause here. As mentioned before, I am often guilty of revealing the story particularly for short films and so I will let you witness this. The concept like Cargo is unique and amazing. It does help when the director is from a Science Background. The screenplay for a sci-fi is just mind blowing. You are sucked into the drama almost from the first frame. The tension is slowly built-up so much so that you feel what if all this were to be true. And like a trademark, there is a small emotional thread that binds the story giving it some purpose. This again was required as sci-fi as a genre after a point can lack purpose. I was thoroughly impressed with how simple the treatment was for it to be universally appealing. This is top class writing!
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are pretty well written, again nothing over the top or dramatic. The BGM beautifully gels in with the drama. The VFX are a suspect but you need to be aware that this was all shot during lockdown with a tight budget, and that itself is a massive feat. Director Arati Kadav is simply outstanding. There was thought given to each frame and it just shows. Another ball hit out of the park by her, and I cannot wait for her next venture!
Performances
The performances by all are very natural but there are two standouts. Richa Chadha as Srishti is just such a pleasure to watch. Easy on the eyes and simply brilliant. Mrinal Dutt as Suraj is the character through which audience see the world unfold. I was amazed by his screen presence. Hope he gets meatier roles in the future too. He was simply terrific.
Conclusion
55km/sec is one of the best short films that I have seen in recent times. It also has pushed the sci-fi genre a notch higher in India. Available on Disney+Hotstar and Highly Highly Highly Recommended.