7 Must-Watch Short Films On YouTube That Will Tug At Your Heartstrings

We often look for the perfect thing to watch whenever we get a short break from those WFH meetings and mostly just end up scrolling through thousands of listings without actually watching anything. Short films have always been a popular category that portray offbeat and interesting topics, engulfing it all in a mere matter of minutes! Here’s a list of 8 short films, which, with their amazing performances and heart-touching storylines, will give you something to think about and will leave you teary-eyed yet hopeful, and touched. 

1. The School Bag

Picture Credits: rasikadugal

Set against the backdrop of India-Pakistan animosity, the premise of The School Bag is simple, how a mother can go to extreme lengths to fulfil a wish of her son. However, the 15-minute film will surely leave you teary-eyed. Directed by Dheeraj Jindal and starring Rasika Duggal and Sartaaj RK, the film performed exceedingly well on the festival circuit. A story that will touch your heart & performances that will win it.

Watch Online Here | The School Bag

2. Interior Cafe Night

Picture Credits: imdb

Interior Cafe Night stars Naseeruddin Shah, Shernaz Patel, Naveen Kasturia and Shweta Prasad. The 12-minute short film is about two long-lost lovers who meet by chance after 30 long years. A story about love and loss, the film leaves you with a bittersweet feeling. It is able to convey that queasy & terrible feeling of letting love slip away, with the star performances of the lead actors.

Watch Online Here | Interior Cafe Night

3. Afterglow

Picture Credits: youtube

National Award-winning short film Afterglow, is a 20-minute tragi-comedy movie about a Parsi widow who not only makes the most of the counted days left of her husband but also deals with the void after he is gone, in an endearingly matured manner. After his death, she is visited by friends, relatives and neighbours, mocking sympathy but she deals it all with a smile. A poignant & touching tale yet, laced with subtle humour, Afterglow will surely tug at your heartstrings.

Watch Online Here | Afterglow

4. Budh - The Awakening

Picture Credits: youtube

Budh, is a women-centric short film, telling us the stories of 3 different women, who might be world’s apart but are similar in their struggles and how they rise above them. The 3 women hailing from different communities and different parts of the country are prey to various mental and physical harassments as a part of their womanhood. The film, in 17 minutes, portrays a very important message of women standing up for themselves and taking charge of their lives. Nominated for a number of awards, this movie is an absolute must watch!

Watch Online Here | Budh - The Awakening

5. Holi Ka Dahan

Picture Credits: youtube

Holi Ka Dahan is a powerful short film. The 20-minutes-film is about a girl who is in an unhealthy relationship and she suffers by choosing to stay in the relationship because she fears the unknown future. Starring Anuritta Jha, the film progresses as she finally gathers the courage to break free of the toxic relationship and colours herself happy in the tones of Holi. 

Watch Online Here | Holi Ka Dahan

6. Nitishastra

Picture Credits: books_in_movies

Nitishastra stars Taapsee Pannu, playing a self-defence instructor, whose goal is to equip girls by training them to protect themselves as they take on the world. However, she soon discovers her war begins at home when she learns that her very own brother has committed a crime against a woman. The 20-minute short film brings to light the internal dilemma & the lessons imparted in The Bhagavad Gita – the importance of duty or “dharma” over relationships, making it a must-watch for emotional punches.

Watch Online Here | Nitishastra

7. The Lovers 

Picture Credits: youtube

The Lovers features a star cast comprising Zarina Wahab, Shweta Basu and Anuraag Malhan.
It is a short film that portrays the careful analysis of misuse of the Dowry Act that still persists in smaller cities. The story is of Anirudh, a young man whose life changes when his wife files a case against him under Act 498A. The story unfolds & conveys how lack of communication between parents & children destroys many lives in marriage. A unique tale about the misuse of an important law, the story highlights the value of communication and emotions. 

Watch Online Here | The Lovers

Which of these must-watch short stories are you gonna watch right away to give a stir to your emotions?