Toffee - Short Film

Toffee - Short Film is an impassioned cinematic venture woven with thought-provoking themes and an arresting storytelling technique that puts you in the heart of a rural Indian landscape. Shot by filmmaker Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, the film derives its name from the local thick and sweet treat Toffee symbolizing the sweetness of innocent childhood and the bitter aftertaste of apathy and societal norms.

The 18-minute short film transports you to the burgeoning city of Jalandhar, a rustic and active township in the state of Punjab, India. The backdrop constitutes the mid-1990s, an era adorned by polka-dotted frocks, mangalsutra advertisements, and the iconic Tu Tu Main Main television show - a precise reference to a beautiful nostalgia, arousing a sense of déjà vu. The setting imitates a perfect canvas that paints the innocent friendship between two 11-year-old girls.

The narrative revolves around the lives of two friends named Babli and Lali. Coming from opposite ends of the socioeconomic spectrum, their friendship transcends the barriers of socioeconomic status and poses a hard-hitting question on how societal norms, traditions, and expectations adversely affect a child’s innocence. The young girls bond over shared toffees, simple dreams, and the joy of childhood friendship, oblivious to the societal distinctions that loom over them.

Toffee - Short Film intelligently uses the symbol of the titular toffee to explore the demarcation lines drawn by society. The humble toffee, a symbol of childhood innocence in the film, takes you down the memory lane and gently reminds you of an age where happiness can be found wrapped in an inexpensive piece of candy. The toffee comes to represent everything that is sweet and joyful in the world of the two protagonists, yet it contributes to the examination of unsettling societal disparities.

As Babli and Lali indulge in their quaint little world filled with adventures and shared dreams - a tent made from bed sheets, comedically contemplated businesses, pretend games around ideal housewives, the film brings into sharp focus the societal traditions and conventions anticipated to be imbibed by a young Indian girl. A subtle commentary is made on the social institution of marriage – its anticipation, the roles expected of a woman, and how societal norms pervade even the most innocent spaces in a child's mind.

The cinematography and the visual language of Toffee - Short Film are as strong as its narrative and script. Every frame serves as a painting emanating the beautiful nuances of 90s life. The film’s color palette is delightfully infused with pastels and earthy tones, producing an environment that is both visually and emotionally evocative, making the cultural backdrop come alive.

Music too plays an incredibly vital role in the storytelling process. The carefully selected soundtrack gives life to every scene, often serving as a mouthpiece of the characters' emotions without any words spoken. The simple and melodious tunes perfectly compliment the narrative and effortlessly carry the innocence and candid nature of childhood.

Toffee - Short Film was showcased at the MAMI Film Festival and was also a part of the Short Film Package of the prestigious Indian Panorama, the 48th International Film Festival of India in Goa. Despite being a straightforward narrative, it harbors a hidden depth of emotions and social commentary that is often missed in mainstream cinema. The sharp and detailed direction, along with the heartfelt performances by the young actors and brilliant storytelling, make it a beautifully packaged story in under 20 minutes.

In essence, Toffee - Short Film is not just a cinematic piece; it is a tale of innocent dreams, coming-of-age, the beauty of childhood friendships, and a commentary on the societal norms that plague it. The tale continues to reverberate long after the end, nudging viewers to question, analyze, and introspect upon societal norms and traditions and their impact on innocent childhood impressions. It's not just an 18-minute short film; it's an impactful piece that will leave you reminiscing and thinking.