Viral Shah's Haba Goba, a short film by the storytelling platform TTT depicts the new normal amid pandemic in the lines of dating apps, meetups, and romance.
Haba Goba (a Bengali word for someone who’s cute but silly) explores the differences in present-day dating. As the characters prudently prepare for their special date, what follows is a subtle turn of events that explore what getting intimate can mean in ‘these strange times’. The short film is directed by Viral Shah, and features Tridha Choudhary (Dahleez), Ritwik Bhowmik (Bandish Bandits) and RJ Prerna Nahata (Radio Mirchi).
Showcasing how the pandemic has accelerated virtual dating, with a surge in swipe volume and messages sent on Tinder, the partnership captured newer dating encounters and unpredictable plots via text-based, video and visual content.
Two people swiping right on each other is only the beginning of possibilities. From its digitally native community, TTT has brought forth the range of experiences that people have had on Tinder — be it getting a job offer, discovering their sexuality, or finding a new best friend.
Talking about the short film in collaboration with Tinder, Amrit Paul and Sadaf Khan, Brand Collaborations at TTT said, “The last few months have not been the most ideal for meeting people, let alone meeting someone new. But we find ways, don’t we? Even if not in person, even if six feet apart”.
“We had stories of people talking about experiences they’ve had in the past, as well as telling us how they are navigating today’s challenges. Month by month. Virtual dates, or meeting outside (but staying socially distant) or quarantining together. Or taking the test and making sure it’s safe to get intimate for a “special date”, only to find it not going the way they’d imagined — which is the premise of Haba Goba! As with every collaboration, we’ve developed a unique visual language that ties together the tales, the illustrations, the animated videos and the film. This one has a style we’ve grown quite fond of”.
They furthered, “What’s been particularly exciting, though, was the kind of varied stories we were able to share with the world. Stories of coming out. Of transitioning. Of unexpected friendships that can be as fulfilling as romances. Love that is not filmy. Love that is filmy but not Bollywood. Representation matters, and to see ourselves or some aspect of our identities reflected in the kind of content we consume — this is why we do what we do at TTT”.
Check out Haba Goba on YouTube here! Happy Watching!
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