Mala (Neelabh Gupta) India |

Mala
Neelabh Gupta
India. 2024. 24 min

Mala is a short film exploring themes of resilience and liberation, we follow the arduous journey of Mala, a maid trapped in an abusive marriage. Her life is a daily struggle, marked by the torment inflicted by her violent husband. She is even denied the comfort of sleeping beside her daughter, a poignant symbol of her yearning for love and security.
However, fate intervenes when her husband is hospitalized, offering Mala a brief respite from her suffering. This unexpected twist brings a rare moment of peace and reflection into her tumultuous life. As her husband begins to show signs of recovery, Mala is confronted with a life-altering decision. In a heart-wrenching monologue delivered to her unconscious husband, Mala bravely voices her suppressed emotions and dreams. This powerful declaration becomes a turning point, as she finally reclaims her freedom and happiness. Mala’s journey culminates in her liberation, embracing a hopeful future with her daughter.

NEELABH GUPTA

Neelabh Gupta is a filmmaker who graduated from the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in 2024, specializing in Direction and Producing for Electronic and Digital Media. During his studies, he honed his skills in storytelling and visual narrative, laying the foundation for his career in filmmaking. Currently, Neelabh is actively developing several web series and feature film projects, exploring diverse themes and narratives.