In a time when content is everywhere and attention spans are shrinking, short films are proving to be the purest form of storytelling. They don’t waste time. They come straight to the point, stir your emotions, and leave a mark—all within a few minutes. And among the most consistent curators of quality in this space is Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films.
Known for producing high-quality, actor-driven, and emotionally rich content, the Royal Stag Shorts platform has delivered some of the best short films to watch in recent years. From psychological thrillers to quiet character studies, these films speak volumes—even in silence. What makes them truly special is their ability to compress emotion, drama, humour, and social commentary into a handful of moments, without losing their power.
So if you’re looking for amazing short films that are worth every second, here’s a curated list of 10 incredible titles from the Royal Stag YouTube channel that deserve your watchlist.
Nayantara’s Necklace
Directed by Jaydeep Sarkar, this film stars Konkona Sen Sharma and Tillotama Shome. It’s a masterclass in subtle storytelling and character contrast. One woman is a flamboyant extrovert who lives the high life, while the other lives a simple, contained existence. What happens when these two worlds briefly collide is unexpected and emotionally unsettling. It’s among the best short films to watch if you enjoy socially reflective cinema with a punch.
Chutney
Tisca Chopra not only acts in but also co-writes this deliciously dark tale directed by Jyoti Kapur Das. Set in the suburban by-lanes of Ghaziabad, it explores betrayal, jealousy, and quiet revenge. The narrative unfolds in such a calm, domestic setting that the final twist lands like a thunderclap. A brilliant reminder that amazing short films don’t need grand sets—just good writing and better execution.
Interior Café Night
This warm, melancholic film by Adhiraj Bose features Naseeruddin Shah and Shernaz Patel as two former lovers who reunite after decades. Set inside a small café on a rainy night, the film takes its time with silence, eye contact, and unsaid words. It’s a story about second chances, regrets, and acceptance. If you believe in the power of pause, this is one of the best short films to watch.
Ahalya
Sujoy Ghosh’s short thriller takes inspiration from Indian mythology and turns it into a modern, spooky mystery. Starring Radhika Apte and Soumitra Chatterjee, the film blends sensuality, suspense, and surrealism in just under 15 minutes. It’s the kind of short film that pulls you in with its slow burn and leaves you thinking long after the credits. Easily one of the most amazing short films ever produced in India.
Juice
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Shefali Shah, Juice is an unflinching look at gender roles in Indian households. The film is set during a casual gathering of family friends. While the men sip drinks in comfort, the women sweat it out in the kitchen—until one moment changes everything. Shefali’s final expression is cinema at its most powerful. This is social commentary told without screaming—making it one of the best short films to watch for anyone who loves grounded realism.
Devi
With a powerhouse cast including Kajol, Shruti Haasan, Neha Dhupia, and others, Devi is a chilling portrayal of violence, trauma, and womanhood. Set entirely in one room, nine women—each from different walks of life—reveal their shared stories. It’s a quiet film, with emotions simmering just below the surface, and the final reveal is both heartbreaking and rage-inducing. This is one of those amazing short films that will leave you shaken.
Kheer
Starring Anupam Kher and Natasha Rastogi, Kheer is a heartwarming story about companionship and late-in-life love. A grandfather tries to gently introduce his family to his new partner—with the help of a humble bowl of kheer (rice pudding). This short is warm, funny, and touching. For those looking for lighter yet emotionally fulfilling content, it’s one of the best short films to watch on a quiet afternoon.
Shunyata
This gritty crime drama stars Jackie Shroff as a gangster who slowly becomes a protector after an encounter with a young boy. Directed by Chintan Sarda, Shunyata is a story of redemption that balances violence and tenderness in a haunting way. With minimal dialogue and a strong performance by Shroff, the film is heavy but meaningful. It’s one of those amazing short films that hits hard.
The Broken Table
This emotionally rich drama features Naseeruddin Shah and Rasika Dugal. The story centers on a woman who encounters an aging man she once knew, only to find that his memory is slipping away. Set almost entirely at a dining table, the film explores themes of aging, memory loss, and unspoken regret with grace and sensitivity. This is one of the most beautifully written free short films from the platform.
That Day After Every Day
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, this film is a searing take on street harassment and everyday misogyny. It follows three women who face routine harassment in their neighbourhood and finally decide to fight back. The film is raw, fast-paced, and ultimately empowering. It’s still one of the most amazing short films that tackles a tough issue without losing narrative strength.
Final Thoughts
Short films are often dismissed as side projects or stepping stones for bigger films—but the truth is, they are a genre of their own. In the hands of the right storyteller, a 10-minute film can move you more than a three-hour epic. The films on this list prove just that.
Each one of these amazing short films from Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts packs in a full cinematic journey. Whether you’re in the mood for a psychological thriller, a social drama, or a quiet love story, you’ll find something here that not only entertains but also resonates.
The best part? You don’t have to look far or pay a rupee. All these masterpieces are available for free on the Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films YouTube channel. So the next time you find yourself scrolling endlessly with no idea what to watch—pick one from this list. It might just change your mood, your evening, or even your perspective.
