A gritty, fast-paced action short that showcases impressive choreography, sharp pacing, and the passion of rising indie filmmakers.
Duplicity, directed by Andrew Amrit Pal Singh and Zain Ayub, is a tense, stylish action film centered on betrayal, power, and survival. Focused on the uneasy meeting between Suhrab—a major player in the underground drug world—and his rival, Serg, the film wastes no time establishing stakes. The “negotiation” quickly reveals itself to be a trap, launching viewers into an escalating confrontation where every move counts.
Judges responded positively to the film’s momentum and craftsmanship:
- Jake praised the flow of the action and how smoothly the short kept moving from beat to beat.
- Beth highlighted the strong execution of the action sequences, noting their clarity and energy.
- Leonard described it as “a pretty good little action flick,” acknowledging its solid entertainment value.
- Ross likewise rated it strongly, reinforcing the film’s broad appeal.
Action, Style & Technical Craft
Despite operating on an extremely low budget, the filmmakers deliver surprisingly polished work:
- Action scenes are tight and cleanly shot, avoiding the common pitfalls of indie fight choreography.
- Pacing is brisk, keeping tension high from the moment Suhrab enters Serg’s lavish home.
- Visual effects and sound design help elevate the film beyond its budget, adding grit and realism.
- Editing and VFX—handled largely by the directors themselves—showcase a strong understanding of rhythm and visual storytelling.
The film’s score deserves special mention. The ending song in particular adds emotional weight and an almost cinematic resonance that helps the finale land with impact.
Directors with Determination
Andrew Amrit Pal Singh and Zain Ayub represent exactly what indie film thrives on: passion, resourcefulness, and relentless learning. Based in Sydney, Australia, they operate with minimal budgets but maximum drive. Singh often takes on multiple roles—writing, directing, editing, VFX—to bring each project to life. Their team’s commitment shows in every frame.
Their director statement makes it clear: Duplicity is a testament to how far creativity and dedication can go, even without major funding. The film stands as an example of indie filmmaking punching above its weight.
Final Thoughts
Duplicity succeeds as a gripping action short with style, tension, and ambition. What it may lack in resources, it more than makes up for in energy, craftsmanship, and heart. The performances are strong, the direction confident, and the action sequences executed with precision.
A solid, entertaining, and commendable indie action piece—one that proves these filmmakers are worth watching as they continue to refine their already impressive skill set.
About the Author
Excellent work. Great work
Andrew Singh’s Duplicity is a lean, hard-hitting independent crime thriller that proves that smart direction and committed performances are far more valuable than sprawling budgets. Recognizing its roots as a festival contender (as indicated by the numerous laurels), the film successfully crafts a tense, volatile atmosphere around a classic theme: how greed and betrayal corrode loyalty.