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Introduction –
Whether it is cricket, politics or war, films related to India Pakistan conflict manage to evoke immense interest and attention from both the sides of border. Little Terrorist is one such short film.
Synopsis –
Jamal ( Julfuqar Ali ) a 10 year old lad is playing cricket on the Pakistani side of the fence with his friends. Moments later the game evolves into a tense situation when the ball races through the fence and stops on the Indian side. Jamal sneaks below the barbed wire to fetch the ball. Unfortunately, the security guard atop an observation post notices the intrusion. However, the guard fails to identify the intruder as he is positioned at a distance. Gun shots echo around Jamal who races deeper into the India territory out of fear.
The Indian security forces begin search operations for the trespasser, the so called ‘Terrorist’.
It is at this point in time Jamal encounters Bhola ( Sushil Sharma ), a local villager, and a Hindu Brahmin. Although Bhola wants nothing to do with Jamal follows him to his village. Once again Jamal experiences disapproval. This time from Rani ( Megnaa Mehtta ), Bhola’s niece who is unsure of her Uncle’s benevolence. She warns her Uncle that they can be in big trouble if the security forces find Jamal in their house.
As expected the army arrives. Bhola and Rani protect Jamal by changing his appearance.
Analysis –
Nominated for the 2005 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film, Little Terrorist revolves around ordinary events which are quite common along the Indo-Pak border. The story arc is flat as there is hardly any build-up of tension while the acting of all the three characters is just average. The only consolation is the message – the forgotten brotherhood between the two countries.
Year of Release – 2004 | Director – Ashvin Kumar | Running Time – 15 Min | Availability – YouTube ( Ashvin Kumar’s Channel )