Have we ever paused to truly listen to those around us? Every person carries a narrative shaped by joys, losses, hopes, and silent struggles. Yet in a world eager to speak, few are blessed with someone who genuinely listens and understands.
I came across a couple of short films that beautifully drive home the importance of being an empathetic listener. Streaming on Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts’ YouTube channel, these films are a gentle reminder that sometimes the greatest gift we can offer another person is not advice or solutions, but rather our undivided attention and genuine understanding.
The Gratitude List (2026)
Vikram and Mugdha are a married couple with contrasting personalities. While Vikram is a diehard optimist who sees a silver lining in every situation, Mugdha is more grounded and prefers to find practical solutions to the challenges that come her way.
What frustrates Mugdha is Vikram’s tendency to have an answer for every problem she faces. It comes to the point that she begins to find his optimism rather toxic. For instance, when she is upset about missing out on an acting assignment, he tells her that everything happens for a reason. He goes on to suggest that she would have been typecast had she accepted the role. Nor does it make her happy that he constantly offers his opinions on what she eats or what she should wear.
During a therapy session, Mugdha and Vikram are asked to prepare a gratitude list. Their marriage, which appears smooth on the surface, then begins to reveal its underlying cracks. The exercise brings to light truths and resentment that have long remained buried in their relationship.
Does Mugdha need to be advised at every step, or does she simply need someone to listen to her? Is Vikram’s relentless positivity comforting or suffocating? Watch Sunny Hinduja and Shinjini Raval in The Gratitude List as they deliver convincing performances that underscore the importance of truly listening to one another for a healthy and successful relationship.
Listener (2018)
Listener breaks fresh ground by building its narrative around a unique concept. The location is Mumbai, the “City of Dreams,” wrapped in all its glitz and glamour. Yet, not everything is as glittering as it appears. Despite its teeming millions, loneliness remains a reality for many. A bustling restaurant pays a middle-aged man to listen to the stories of customers who are looking for someone willing to hear what they have to share about their lives.
The patrons have different kinds of stories to tell. An elderly man laments that his son’s refusal to heed his advice has led to a massive business loss. A young woman is ecstatic about having gained the confidence to drive long distances on the roads of Mumbai. A youngster breaks down as he recounts his painful breakup with his girlfriend. Each interaction focuses on a simple truth: these individuals are searching for a human connection.
Does the listener live up to his name by simply listening as people open their hearts to him? Or is he on a mission to offer advice? The film holds the answers.
Listening to the human heart
Most of us fail to realize that we can make someone feel heard, understood, and happier through the simplest of actions. The films explore the power of listening, a territory that is often overlooked. They highlight a simple yet profound truth: that hidden beneath ordinary smiles and routine exchanges are countless untold stories, waiting for a compassionate ear. So can we be that Good Samaritan, offering not just help but also the gift of truly listening?
rashmi writes 