In the age of fast-paced entertainment, short films have become a powerful medium to convey deep, thought-provoking messages within a matter of minutes. Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films has carved a distinctive place in the Indian digital content space by offering original, bold, and inspiring stories that leave a lasting impact. Curated by some of the country’s most celebrated directors and featuring brilliant performances by top actors, these films reflect diverse themes—ranging from love, loss, and social justice to gender roles, mythology, and dystopia.
If you’re on the hunt for meaningful short films that will make you pause and reflect, here’s a curated list of the best thought-provoking short films you can exclusively watch short films on Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts.
Ahalya
Directed by: Sujoy Ghosh
Starring: Radhika Apte, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Soumitra Chatterjee
Ahalya is a masterclass in short film storytelling. A suspense thriller wrapped in mythological allusions, the film reimagines the ancient tale of Ahalya in a modern, eerie setting. The story revolves around a beautiful woman, a mysterious house, and a police officer investigating a case. What begins as a simple conversation unfolds into a chilling twist that will stay with you long after the screen fades to black. The film explores themes of seduction, manipulation, and karma, and Sujoy Ghosh delivers this in under 15 minutes of gripping storytelling.
Chhuri
Directed by: Mansi Jain
Starring: Tisca Chopra, Anurag Kashyap, Surveen Chawla
Chhuri is a sharply written dramedy that explores a modern-day marriage riddled with infidelity. Tisca Chopra plays the unapologetically witty wife who confronts her husband’s mistress in the most unconventional way. Instead of breaking down, she takes control of the narrative. With dark humor and a layered plot, the film challenges stereotypes and societal expectations of women, relationships, and power dynamics. The twist ending is both hilarious and satisfying, making it a stand-out film in the genre.
Interior Café Night
Directed by: Adhiraj Bose
Starring: Naseeruddin Shah, Shernaz Patel
This poignant tale is a gentle exploration of lost love and the courage to confront it after years. Hence, it is one of the best options when looking forward to watch short films.Set in a quiet café, the film moves back and forth between two timelines, telling the story of an old couple reuniting after decades and a young couple dealing with the fear of separation. With minimal dialogue and a soulful atmosphere, Interior Café Night touches on themes of regret, hope, and the eternal nature of true love. Naseeruddin Shah and Shernaz Patel bring magic to the screen with their nuanced performances.
Nayantara’s Necklace
Directed by: Jaydeep Sarkar
Starring: Konkona Sen Sharma, Tillotama Shome
This short film takes a sharp look at the illusions we build to project happiness. Through the lens of two contrasting women—one seemingly successful and confident, the other simple and naive—the story uncovers the realities hidden behind perfect social media lives. With a powerful twist that shakes the viewer’s expectations, Nayantara’s Necklace raises questions about self-worth, envy, and the societal pressure to appear ‘perfect.’ It’s a social commentary dressed as a slice-of-life tale, brilliantly acted and tightly scripted.
Devi
Directed by: Priyanka Banerjee
Starring: Kajol, Neha Dhupia, Shruti Haasan, Mukta Barve & Others
Devi is a searing, emotionally charged film that brings together nine women in a small room. At first glance, their interactions appear mundane, but soon, the horror of their shared trauma is revealed—they are all victims of sexual violence. The film is a gut-wrenching reminder of the brutality women face and the silence that surrounds it. The powerful ensemble cast, combined with the shocking revelation at the end, makes Devi short film is a film that demands to be seen and discussed.
The School Bag
Directed by: Dheeraj Jindal
Starring: Rasika Dugal
Set in Peshawar, Pakistan, this heartwarming yet heart-wrenching film tells the story of a young boy and his mother. All he wants for his birthday is a new school bag. The School Bag beautifully captures the innocence of childhood and a mother’s love. However, the ending, inspired by real-life events, delivers a gut punch that few will see coming. The School Bag is a tearjerker that speaks volumes about the fragility of life in conflict zones.
Ouch
Directed by: Neeraj Pandey
Starring: Manoj Bajpayee, Pooja Chopra
Dark comedy meets emotional chaos in Ouch, a brilliantly awkward tale of infidelity and commitment gone wrong. Manoj Bajpayee plays a man who is ready to leave his wife for his long-time mistress—but things spiral when she suddenly refuses to continue the relationship. The film explores gender dynamics, modern love, and the irony of emotional vulnerability with biting humor. Neeraj Pandey’s storytelling, paired with Bajpayee’s impeccable timing, turns a cringe-worthy situation into a brutally honest, laugh-out-loud commentary on relationships today.
That Day After Every Day
Directed by: Anurag Kashyap
Starring: Radhika Apte
This powerful short tackles the daily harassment faced by women in urban India. Radhika Apte plays one of three women who, tired of being catcalled and harassed, decide to take matters into their own hands. With raw realism and powerful scenes, Anurag Kashyap delivers a socially conscious film that doesn’t preach but instead showcases real strength and courage. That Day After Every Day is an empowering story that resonates deeply in today’s social climate.
Carbon
Directed by: Maitrey Bajpai
Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Jackky Bhagnani
Carbon is a sci-fi short film set in the year 2067, where oxygen is a rare commodity and humans struggle to survive. It explores environmental degradation, inequality, and human greed in a dystopian world. With stunning visuals and compelling performances, the film issues a stark warning about our future if we don’t act on climate change today. It’s a wake-up call wrapped in a thrilling narrative.
Shunyata
Directed by: Chintan Sarda
Starring: Jackie Shroff
A gangster’s life changes when he forms an unexpected bond with a young street kid. Shunyata explores the emptiness that violence creates and the small chances at redemption that life sometimes offers. Jackie Shroff delivers a powerful performance in this gritty, emotional tale. The film reflects on morality, loneliness, and second chances—making it both intense and inspiring.
Final Thoughts
Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts isn’t just a platform—it’s a movement that celebrates meaningful cinema. These short films challenge conventions, question norms, and speak directly to the soul. With top-notch storytelling, powerful performances, and a commitment to originality, this platform is a goldmine for anyone who values quality over quantity in cinema with films like Devi short film.
Whether you’re a budding filmmaker, a film enthusiast, or someone looking for a quick yet meaningful watch, these thought-provoking short films are sure to leave a mark.
Because sometimes, the shortest stories speak the loudest.
