Jalpari (2024) is a poignant Hindi short film directed by Nila Madhab Panda, known for his previous work I Am Kalam. The narrative follows Shreya, a spirited tomboy from Delhi, who visits her father’s ancestral village in Haryana during her summer holidays. Anticipating a picturesque rural setting, she and her brother Sam are instead confronted with a village grappling with severe water scarcity and a skewed gender ratio. The absence of girls their age and the villagers’ peculiar behavior unsettle them. As Shreya befriends local children, including the leader Ajite, she uncovers a chilling secret: a clandestine practice of forced abortions targeting female fetuses. This revelation exposes the village’s deep-seated gender biases and the broader issue of female foeticide.

The film masterfully intertwines elements of adventure and social commentary. Shreya’s courageous quest to unveil the truth transforms the village’s narrative, highlighting the destructive impact of gender discrimination. The cinematography captures the village’s desolation, while the performances, particularly by Lehar Khan as Shreya, are compelling. Jalpari serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address gender-based injustices and the importance of fostering awareness from a young age.