Anuja Movie Review: Oscar-Nominated Short Film That Explores Choices, Survival and Future

There's something exceptional about short films that leave you wanting more. With the growing conversation around independent, thought-provoking cinema, it's safe to say that while India may not have the largest audience for such films, Indian independent filmmakers are making their mark internationally. One such film I was eagerly anticipating was Anuja. Directed by Adam J. Graves, Anuja is a compelling Oscar-nominated short film with a run-time of 22 minutes, produced by Guneet Monga, Mindy Kaling, and Priyanka Chopra. The film features a remarkable cast, led by Sajda Pathan as Anuja and Ananya Shanbhag as her sister, Palak. Veteran actors Nagesh Bhonsle and Gulshan Walia play key supporting roles, portraying a ruthless factory owner and a compassionate educator, respectively. 

Plot 

Set in a garment factory in Delhi, Anuja follows two orphaned sisters struggling to survive in a world that offers them little opportunity. The younger sister, Anuja, faces an agonizing dilemma when an educator presents her with a life-changing scholarship opportunity, one that could lift her out of poverty but requires a hefty fee. As she scrambles to gather the money, the film captures the harsh realities of child labor, the exploitation they endure, and the fragile hope that keeps them going. Blending fiction with real-world issues, Anuja delivers a poignant and socially relevant narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.

Direction & Writing 

Written and directed by Adam J. Graves, Anuja seamlessly blends fiction and realism, creating a compelling narrative-driven short film. It vividly captures the streets of Delhi and the quiet struggles of its characters without ever feeling preachy. Instead, it balances cinematic highs and lows while staying true to real life. Graves’ direction immerses us in the city's bustling energy, the rhythmic hum of sewing machines, the chaos of daily life, while also carving out intimate moments between the two sisters. Scenes like Anuja searching for a groom for Palak, sharing jalebis on the roof, or sitting together in a movie theatre feel both tender and weighty. The dialogues and screenplay keep you engaged throughout, making you deeply invested in Anuja and Palak’s choices as if their fate rests in your hands.

Performances

I've always admired actors who completely lose themselves in their characters, becoming almost unrecognizable. It takes a lot to surrender fully, not just to the role but also to the director’s vision. Not every performance reaches that level, but Anuja manages to bring out the best in its cast within just 22 minutes.

Sajda Pathan stands out as Anuja, not just because of her performance but also because of her real-life connection to the Salaam Baalak Trust, the nonprofit that helped make this film happen. There’s a rawness to her acting that feels completely unfiltered. Ananya Shanbhag, too, brings a quiet intensity that adds weight to the story. But what really stuck with me was their chemistry. The scene where the sisters spend the day out, riding in a baggi, watching a movie, buying two popcorns, and sharing a bag full of jalebis, hit me in a way that even a full-length "heartwarming" feature hasn't managed to lately.

Final Verdict: Story of Survival, Love, and Decisions 

Anuja opens with a fable about love, loss, and decisions, setting the tone for a story that follows two orphaned sisters navigating the harsh realities of their lives. The film weaves these themes throughout, delving into who truly has the power to make life-altering choices. From the moment you meet Anuja and Palak, you become emotionally invested in their journey. You hold your breath as Anuja enters the mall to sell her bag, only to be chased by security, and feel a sense of relief when she hands Palak 800 rupees and embraces her. As Ude Jab Jab Zoolfein Teri plays, the sisters share a rare, carefree day, and you can't help but feel connected to the fleeting joy of those 800 rupees. The film beautifully portrays Anuja's tough choice, whether to choose a future for herself or stay with her sister, Palak, the only family she has. As the credits roll, you're left wondering what’s next for Anuja: will she shape her own destiny, or has it already been decided for her?

You can now stream Anuja on Netflix!