Latest news with #RoyalStagBarrelSelectShorts
Hindustan Times
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Momo Deal review: Delicate, bittersweet short film tackles death with grace and dignity
Momo Deal short film review Cast: Anushka Kaushik, Akashdeep Arora Director: Dheeraj Jindal Star rating: ★★★★ Is there a right way of grieving? Momo Deal, the wonderful new short film directed by Dheeraj Jindal and now streaming on the YouTube channel of Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts, offers this question within its 13-minute runtime. Grief outlines this story in a certain unflappable manner, providing a space for the jagged edges of pain to soften and heal. There is no two-way about it, and somehow that awareness is everything. Akashdeep Arora and Anushka Kaushik in a still from Momo Deal. The premise When Mahima (Anushka Kaushik) suddenly dies, Naman (Akashdeep Arora) is left with no sense of closure. The film opens with her carefully planned-out, eulogistic notes, in which Mahima demands that, in the aftermath of her death, someday, Naman has to cry the loudest. How can he not? He is the best friend. But Naman does not cry, he cannot; there is no outward projection of his grief at all. That persuades Mahima to return as a ghost, just as she was- bubbly, radiant and unceremoniously glad. The two friends wander about the streets of Jaipur at night, reconsidering their lives and choices with a sense of relief. The trick which Momo Deal lands so well is its tonal balance. It is a ghost story without the chills, a slice-of-life story without extended sentimentality. The tragi-comic element is never flashy or too inflicting in its movement. It is an effective device to look at our capacity for catharsis. Palak Shah's writing is sharp and succinct, flowing with a keen ear for dialogue. Mahima's effervesence is intelligently etched out, where she drops a casual reminder of the everyday realities of being a woman in a city. Now that she is dead, she gloats over the fact that she can finally wear shorts! What works Jindal's gaze is aware yet reticent, touching upon the way we reconcile with the loss of a close friend into an insightful and organic whole. Anushka Kaushik and Akashdeep Arora share an easy, fuss-free chemistry, which guides the narrative effectively in its shared silences. Thankfully, Mahima and Naman share a strictly platonic relationship. No unnecessary, volcanic ode to romantic love finds place here, which is refreshing. The loss of a close friendship is just as deep, just as painful. Within its short runtime, Momo Deal gives us a lot to take in, with its elegiac simplicity. It might be too polished at a few points still. We might wonder a little at the way in which Momo Deal chronicles a sombre circumstance like death, but hold on a little more. Naman can only evade Mahima's death for a while. It's just as irreversible today as it will be tomorrow. Death is finite yet so casual, so dreadful yet so abrupt. No attempt at summarising it will lead to a solution. No manual has an answer. One moves on minus that presence. The harsh, brutal blow that it leads to is rarely for the world to witness. Bittersweet and nuanced, Momo Deal works because it understands that complexity and lets it be.
Business Upturn
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts Launches ‘For the Select Ones'— A New Campaign Featuring Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India: Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts, the critically acclaimed platform for India's finest short film storytelling– unveils its new thematic campaign, For the Select Ones, featuring celebrated artists Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha. Conceptualised by FCB NEO, the campaign is a tribute to those who, in their journey to success, consistently make thoughtful choices— striving for refinement and knowledge while staying true to their values and aspirations. Rooted in the brand's philosophy of success, the campaign film is a cultural and artistic showcase — reaffirming Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts' commitment to original, purposeful, and distinctive narratives. Watch the brand film here: For the Select Ones | Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha | Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts – YouTube Over the years, the platform has collaborated with India's most celebrated artists and filmmakers—Sujoy Ghosh, Anurag Kashyap, Neeraj Ghaywan, Dibakar Banerjee, and Tigmanshu Dhulia—each contributing distinct, thought-provoking stories that reflect a refined artistic lens. By bringing together Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha—both known for their differentiated choices and compelling performances—the campaign deepens the brand's emotional connection with its audience. Their journeys embody the essence of what it means to be Select. Speaking on the campaign, Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India, said: 'Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts has evolved into creating an ecosystem that brings world-class narratives to curious and discerning audiences, thus becoming the destination for short films in India. With our new thematic campaign, For the Select Ones, we continue this next chapter of our brand's select storytelling journey by celebrating those who embody success through their distinct choices.' 'This film is a quiet tribute to the art of choosing well. In a world overflowing with options, true identity is shaped by what we say no to as much as what we embrace. The process of creating this story with Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha was about capturing that subtle, internal journey, where each choice becomes a building block of a legacy. It aligns beautifully with the Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts ethos of celebrating individuals with a refined eye and fearless vision,' expressed Mayuresh Dubhashi, CCO, FCB NEO. Sharing his thoughts, Rajkummar Rao said: 'Over the years, I've learned that true success lies in staying authentic and making choices that reflect who you are at your core. Whether it's in the characters I play or the decisions I make in life, I've always aimed to strike a balance between substance and intention. For the Select Ones is a powerful reflection of that mindset— valuing integrity, thoughtfulness, and individuality. I'm proud to be part of Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts' campaign that celebrates the strength of discerning choices.' Adding her perspective, Patralekha said: 'Throughout my journey, I've always believed in carving my own path. I've long admired the short films from Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts for their depth, craft, and storytelling. Their narrative closely aligns with my belief in making choices that reflect true artistic vision. I'm honoured to collaborate with a brand that champions discernment and excellence.' The campaign will be amplified through a high-decibel launch aimed at leaving a lasting impression — one that mirrors differentiation and aspiration at the heart of 'For the Select Ones'. About Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts Advertisement Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts is 'the' destination for Indian short films where viewers can experience select narratives and storytelling. The platform has collaborated with successful storytellers who truly stand for originality and creativity. Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts has evolved to create an ecosystem for aspiring and established directors alike to bring world class storytelling to our discerning audiences. Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts has released some of the most genre-defining, short films featuring renowned artists and directors, that have gone on to win 200+ awards, including 6 Filmfare awards, making the platform the largest and most credible destination for short films in India. Ahalya, Chutney, Manoranjan, Devi and Ouch are just some of the phenomenal films that have been released on this platform. Click here for Media Contact Details Submit your press release Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
The Wire
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Wire
Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts Launches ‘For the Select Ones'— A New Campaign Featuring Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha
Championing craft, character, and choice, the campaign celebrates 'The Select Ones'— those who reject mediocrity, make discerning decisions, and forge their own path to success. Mumbai, Maharashtra, India – Business Wire India Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts, the critically acclaimed platform for India's finest short film storytelling– unveils its new thematic campaign, For the Select Ones, featuring celebrated artists Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha. Conceptualised by FCB NEO, the campaign is a tribute to those who, in their journey to success, consistently make thoughtful choices— striving for refinement and knowledge while staying true to their values and aspirations. Rooted in the brand's philosophy of success, the campaign film is a cultural and artistic showcase — reaffirming Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts' commitment to original, purposeful, and distinctive narratives. Watch the brand film here: For the Select Ones | Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha | Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts - YouTube Over the years, the platform has collaborated with India's most celebrated artists and filmmakers—Sujoy Ghosh, Anurag Kashyap, Neeraj Ghaywan, Dibakar Banerjee, and Tigmanshu Dhulia—each contributing distinct, thought-provoking stories that reflect a refined artistic lens. By bringing together Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha—both known for their differentiated choices and compelling performances—the campaign deepens the brand's emotional connection with its audience. Their journeys embody the essence of what it means to be Select. Speaking on the campaign, Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India, said: 'Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts has evolved into creating an ecosystem that brings world-class narratives to curious and discerning audiences, thus becoming the destination for short films in India. With our new thematic campaign, For the Select Ones, we continue this next chapter of our brand's select storytelling journey by celebrating those who embody success through their distinct choices.' 'This film is a quiet tribute to the art of choosing well. In a world overflowing with options, true identity is shaped by what we say no to as much as what we embrace. The process of creating this story with Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha was about capturing that subtle, internal journey, where each choice becomes a building block of a legacy. It aligns beautifully with the Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts ethos of celebrating individuals with a refined eye and fearless vision,' expressed Mayuresh Dubhashi, CCO, FCB NEO. Sharing his thoughts, Rajkummar Rao said: "Over the years, I've learned that true success lies in staying authentic and making choices that reflect who you are at your core. Whether it's in the characters I play or the decisions I make in life, I've always aimed to strike a balance between substance and intention. For the Select Ones is a powerful reflection of that mindset— valuing integrity, thoughtfulness, and individuality. I'm proud to be part of Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts' campaign that celebrates the strength of discerning choices." Adding her perspective, Patralekha said: "Throughout my journey, I've always believed in carving my own path. I've long admired the short films from Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts for their depth, craft, and storytelling. Their narrative closely aligns with my belief in making choices that reflect true artistic vision. I'm honoured to collaborate with a brand that champions discernment and excellence." The campaign will be amplified through a high-decibel launch aimed at leaving a lasting impression — one that mirrors differentiation and aspiration at the heart of 'For the Select Ones'. About Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts is 'the' destination for Indian short films where viewers can experience select narratives and storytelling. The platform has collaborated with successful storytellers who truly stand for originality and creativity. Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts has evolved to create an ecosystem for aspiring and established directors alike to bring world class storytelling to our discerning audiences. Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts has released some of the most genre-defining, short films featuring renowned artists and directors, that have gone on to win 200 awards, including 6 Filmfare awards, making the platform the largest and most credible destination for short films in India. Ahalya, Chutney, Manoranjan, Devi and Ouch are just some of the phenomenal films that have been released on this platform. To View the Image, Click on the Link Below: Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts unveiled its new thematic campaign, For the Select Ones, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
