ICU Review: Solid Dark Comedy Under 10 Minutes

Director: Nikhil Chalam

Writer: Mukesh Manjunath

Cast: Aahana Kumra, Rytasha Rathore, Sheeba Chaddha, Denzil Smith

Duration: 9–10 mins

Available on: Youtube

“ICU — Praying for a miracle” is far better than any Self Proclaimed Comedy with a 100Cr Production. One of the reasons for this would be the Writer / Producer Mukesh Manjunath.

Mukesh Previously worked with Vir Dar on multiple Specials and notably, he was the Script Supervisor for “Vir Das: For India” on Netflix. You can see that kind of humor in the Screenplay specifically at the end. We need more Writers like Mukesh in the mainstream who have a sense of this Ricky Comedy. By Ricky I don’t mean offensive but a mix of Comedy While being Uncomfortable which is what the Dark Comedy Genre is all about to begin with.

Note: ICU became the 2021 Award Winner of the CHICAGO South Asian FILM FESTIVAL.

ICU revolves around 4 Characters portrayed by Denzil Smith who plays the Father in the ICU, Aahana, and Rytasha as his Daughters, and the brilliant Sheeba Chaddha as the mother.

The Short is about the 3 women conveying their final words to Denzil Smith’s Character. The screenplay beautifully tackles the topics of Domestic Violence, Toxic masculinity, patriarchy, and Dogs ( believe me the Dogs Concept is Crazy Funny ).

The Short is Presented by Varun Grover, it is available on his YouTube Channel. Varun’s Contribution to Indian Cinema is Priceless, he has become a catalyst for the emergence of many Upcoming Talents.

Watch ICU — Short Film on Varun Grover’s YouTube channel.