21 Must-Watch Indian Short Films That Punch in Minutes | Binge in Your Free Time

Indian film is often praised for its opulence, lusciously extravagant tales, and over-the-top plots. But outside the glitzy worlds of innumerable satires of Bollywood and regional blockbusters, there’s a treasure trove of short films packing a clip in a few minutes. These neglected films speak to the power of slim storytelling, delivering intriguing ideas, humanistic characters and daring cinematic approaches. From a film critic to just simply someone looking for something meaningful to watch, here are Indians short films that you must watch. 

1. Tinder (2017)

• Director: Seema Desai
• Runtime: 12 minutes

Tinder ’s oddball view of modern relationships and technology. The film follows a married couple whose lives are turned by an exploration of a dating app. A sharp commentary about trust and infidelity in the digital age with superb performances by Rajesh Sharma and Ashwini Kalsekar, this short film is a must-watch.

Why Watch It?

• Ashwini Kalsekar shines as the one who is in the know.
• It’s a catchy approach to how technology affects relationships.
• Accessible on YouTube for your convenience.

2. Adhuri (2018)

• Director: Yash Verma
• Runtime: 15 minutes

Adhuri is a heart-wrenching story of a broken family united for the final time. The ending of the film is left intentionally open-ended, giving audience to contemplate the depth and double-edged nature of familial connections. Sanjay Mishra and Neeraj Purohit give soulful performances that make this movie a true keeper.

Why Watch It?

• Such an open-ended narrative inspires profound reflection.
• Sanjay Mishra’s performance is so raw and real.
• A poignant investigation of family dynamics.

3. Pandit (2019)

• Director: Agrah Yadav
• Runtime: 10 minutes

Temple priest disponing of a secret — with this short film is depicting the tussle between tradition and modernity. Pandit is a very deep story, that forces you to see the bitter reality of the world right in front of your eyes, that you have been trying to hide, since Pandit Challenges all the norms and prejudices of the society.

Why Watch It?

• A daring exploration of religious and social hypocrisy.
• Its short running time leaves its message all the more searing.
• On YouTube: Watch it in a few minutes.

4. Devi (2020)

• Director: Priyanka Banerjee
• Runtime: 13 minutes

Devi is an anthology film that unites nine women from different backgrounds, all of whom are survivors of sexual violence. An unmissable film because of its strong narrative and ensemble cast featuring Kajol, Neha Dhupia and Shruti Haasan.

Why Watch It?

• A daring commentary on gender-based violence.
• The performances are eerily real.
• It’s a call to action for reform of society.

5. A Barefoot Buddha (Short 2020)

• Director: Prashant Bhargava
• Runtime: 15 minutes

Buddha recounts the lives of three women from various social strata who suffer emotional and physical trauma, yet rise to the challenge of self-affirmation. There is both an inspiring and utterly gut-wrenching quality to this film’s raw portrayal of resilience and empowerment.

Why Watch It?

• A poignant narrative on women’s empowerment.
• Its realistic approach gives it relatability.
• Streaming on multiple platforms.

6. Ghar Ki Murgi (2021)

• Director: Sakshi Tanwar
• Runtime: 12 minutes

This film puno on the underappreciated labor of homemakers. Ghar Ki Murgi centers on one woman's place in her family: she is taken for granted, until she decides to take a break, making her irreplaceable role in their lives clear.

Why Watch It?

• This Story WILL Relate To Every Single Housewife!
• The direction and acting in Sakshi Tanwar’s direction are brilliant.
• A tribute to some unsung heroes.

Also Read: Panchayat Season 2 Web Series Full Episodes Online on Amazon Prime Video 2022

7. Moan (2021)

• Director: Priyanka Singh
• Runtime: 14 minutes

Moan tackles the difficult issue of child abuse and societal indifference. It follows a young girl on her way to learning this lesson as she finds it difficult to speak out about her trauma, and the film showcases the importance of abuse awareness and support.

Why Watch It?

• An important story on a timely social issue.
• The child actor’s performance is heartrending.
• A must-watch for all parents and guardians.

8. Gadhedo (2022)

• Director: Vijay Sharma
• Runtime: 10 minutes

Gadhedo is set in rural Rajasthan, where the film is a satire on blind faith and superstition. A High school teacher pretends to know English for gaining respect from other but once a villager asked him to turn his donkey into a human which leads into a comic conflict.

Why Watch It?

• A brilliant mix of humor and social commentary.
• Vikrant Massey and Chandan Roy Sanyal have delivered stellar performances.
• A Realistic Cartoon — YouTube for a Quick Laugh

9. Rubaru (2022)

• Director: Radha Malhotra
• Runtime: 15 minutes

Rubaru is a poignant tale about an aging actress trying to hold on to her place in the film industry. The film’s thoughtful narrative and the performance of Radha Malhotra as the mother make it a touching watch.

Why Watch It?

• One last look at actors in the trenches after they stopped being stars.”
• Radha Malhotra is both vulnerable and powerful in her acting.
• Must-see for film enthusiasts.

10. Freedom at Midnight (2021)

• Director: Anupama Parmeswaran
• Runtime: 14 minutes

That self-discovery and liberation is the through line of this film. Freedom at Midnight traces a woman who confesses to her husband a life-changing secret, one that will change the course of their relationship for all time.

Why Watch It?

• An exciting story about individual freedom.
• It’s an incredibly emotional film that is hard to pull away from.
• Accessible on YouTube for convenience.

11. Bin bulaaye (2022)

• Director: Anurag Kashyap
• Runtime: 10 minutes

Bin bulaaye is a quirky story of a girl caught between her father’s expectations and her dreams. With a relatable theme and an unexpected twist, the movie is a treat to watch.

Why Watch It?

• An original perspective on generational clashes.
• The twist ending is exciting yet satisfying.
• Ideal for an engaging, short watch.

12. Nawab (2022)

• Director: Mansi Jain
• Runtime: 12 minutes

A heartwarming tale of a couple and their dog, Nawab. The husband brings home another dog, and their relationship takes an unexpected turn.

Why Watch It?

• A narrative that is both tongue-in-cheek and weighty.
• The chemistry between the leads is adorable.
• Watch here on YouTube, it’s worth a comfortable watch.

13. Durlabh (2021)

• Director: Preeti Singh
• Runtime: 15 minutes

DURLABH is a heartbreaking tale of a love turning into hatred between a couple. Its emotional gravitas and incredible performances elevate this film as a memorable watch.

Why Watch It?

• A brutally honest account of love and loss.
• The performances are profoundly moving.
• A delightful watch for yaoi lovers.

14. Chhota Sa Kamra (2020)

• Cinematographer: Mohammad Ali Hussain
• Runtime: 10 minutes

The film follows two school children who are bullied and find love in one another. Chhota Sa Kamra is a poignant tale about friendship and resilience.

Why Watch It?

• A heartbreaking story of childhood hardship.
• The child actors’ performances are scene stealing.
• On YouTube; a fast, emotional watch.

15. Ahalya (2015)

• Director: Sujoy Ghosh
• Runtime: 14 minutes

And if you’re a fan of a good thriller with an unexpected twist, then Ahalya is a masterpiece you can’t afford to miss. The gripping story is a modern retelling of the mythological story of Ahalya, from the famous Indian epic Ramayana, and is nothing short of a tale about mystery and deception. The film, which features Radhika Apte, Tota Roy Chowdhury and Soumitra Chatterjee, is filled with a well-crafted storyline and amazing performances that give you an edge of the seat experience.

Why Watch It?

• It’s brilliant how the film mixes mythology with modern storytelling.
• Radhika Apte’s enigmatic performance walks off with the prize.
• It’s a prime example of the kind of storytelling short films can achieve in a short amount of time.

16. Chutney (2016)

• Director: Jyoti Kapur Das
• Runtime: 17 minutes

Chutney is a satirical reminder that one can never tell a book by its cover. The film centers on a presumably demure housewife (played by Tisca Chopra), who serves her husband’s mistress a spicy tale. At first a light conversation, the dialogue spirals in a shocking new direction that stuns viewers.

Why Watch It?

• Tisca Chopra is charming and chilling.
• The movie’s twisty ending is indelible.
• It is a terrific showcase of how humor and suspense can live in the same work, in this case a short film.

17. Kriti (2016)

• Director: Shirish Kunder
• Runtime: 20 minutes

Kriti is a Psychological Thriller Movie which tells the Dark Secrets of Human mind. (documentary) Starring Manip Bajpayee, Radhika Apte, and Neha Sharma, which deals with mental health issues and obsession. The story is well-layered, the conclusion will have you doubting what is real.

Why Watch It?

• Manoj Bajpayee’s troubled man is hauntingly real.
• The film has an eerie atmosphere that keeps you going.
• It’s a challenging exploration of mental health problems.

18. The School Bag (2017)

• Director: Vikas Bahl
• Runtime: 12 minutes

An adorable short film about a young boy that finds a school bag and tries to return it to the owner. What follows is a bittersweet story of innocence, generosity and the power of small kindnesses.

Why Watch It?

• The film’s strength is its simplicity.
• It is a lovely reminder of the power of empathy.
• The child actor’s performance is super adorable.

19. Juice (2017)

• Director: Neeraj Ghaywan
• Runtime: 15 minutes

Juice is a hardcore social satire on gender roles and patriarchy in Indian homes. With Shefali Shah, the film centers on a housewife who observes a family reunion intently but silently and before long, makes a quiet but powerful statement.

Why Watch It?

• Shefali Shah’s performance is a nuanced masterclass in acting.
• What makes the film’s message all the more powerful is the absence of words.
• It’s essential viewing for fans of socially relevant cinema.

20. Afterglow (2018)

• Director: Kaushik Mukherjee
• Runtime: 14 minutes

Filmed entirely in black and white, Afterglow is a striking short that examines the relationship between time and memory. The film concerns an old man who revisits some of his past as he approaches the end of his life. It’s such a cinematic gem with its poetic narrative, and jaw dropping visuals.

Why Watch It?

• It is a mesmerizing artistic approach for the film.
• It’s an aching meditation on life, love and loss.
• Its cinematography and music enliven the story.

21. Noise (2019)

• Director: Rukmini Maitra
• Runtime: 10 minutes

A little short film that tackles the subject of domestic violence. The story is narrated through the eyes of a young boy who observes his mother’s suffering. With a minimalist sensibility, raw emotion and compelling personal moments, the film is a decidedly harrowing experience.

Why Watch It?

• The performance by the child actor is heartbreaking.
• The film brings attention to a crucial social concern.
• The briefness also makes the impact more severely weighted.

Why Short Films Matter

Short films are not just a snack; they are a form of experimentation and innovation. Unlike feature films, they don’t have the luxury of time, leading filmmakers to be precise and impactful in their storytelling. The result is often narratives that are sharp, focused, deeply resonant.

And, Indian short films especially are becoming a big thing on the world stage ant the world has proven that good stories do not have any geographical restrictions. They address different themes—from social issues to individual challenges—so they appeal to a broader audience.

Conclusion

Short films are the hallmark of creativity that take you on a ride you never knew you needed. Whether you’re looking for a thriller, a comedy or a moving drama, there’s something for everyone among these seven films.

So, whenever you find yourself with an hour or so of free time, take a break from the usual binge-watching routine and discover the art of the short film. You just might find a new favorite! 

What would you say is your favorite Indian short film? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!