Now, after the stupendous success of The Lunchbox, Ritesh Batra has become a renowned figure in Bollywood. But very few people actually know, Batra had directed three short films before Lunchbox and had acted in one (which he didn’t direct of course) after he graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts film program.
I managed to watch 3 of his short films except Gareeb Nawaz’s Taxi (2010) and thanks to my friend who sent me the vimeo links. When you watch them, you realize he always had it in him and the big thing was just a matter of time.
So, here is the link of the 3 short films. Do take some time out and watch them because they are definitely going to touch your heart and move you!!
The Morning Ritual (2008)
The Morning Ritual is a about a little boy named Iqbal who is on a quest to find a place for his “morning ritual”. Things really turn unfavorable for him, when he doesn’t find his usual places and is forced to take a path which was never desirable. This one will definitely make you think!!
Watch it here (click on the blue link below).
The Morning Ritual from Ritesh Batra on Vimeo.
Super. Full. (2010)
Super full is a sweet charming love story directed by Niam Itani. The film is set in Arab and tells us the story of a poor disabled worker who is fighting for his job and tries hard to fulfill the promise he made to take his wife to a luxurious hotel for her birthday. This film is so heart touching and the performances are absolute delight to watch!!
Super.Full. from Niam Itani on Vimeo.
Café Regular, Cairo (2012)
Café Regular, Cairo as the name suggests is set in a coffee shop in Cairo, Egypt. The film is a short, sweet crisp conversation between a couple on human relationships, love and sexuality. The most difficult task for any film maker is to keep it simple and that’s what Batra exactly does here. Beautifully written and performed, I bet this one will leave a smile on your face.
So, everyone is eager to know what’s next. Well, Batra is working on another short called ‘Dacoits and Bandits’ and he is working on another script called ‘Photograph’ which is a story between a photographer and his muse.
Cinema Paradiso 