Short Film: Ghar Ki Murgi

Cast: Sakshi Tanwar, Anurag Arora, Mahi Burman, Kabir Khanna, Anuradha Kalia, Sanjiv Chopra

Director: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari

Story: Nitesh Tiwari

Rating: 3 Moons

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, filmmaker Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari paid a fitting tribute to the unsung heroes of every household-housewives in her short film titled Ghar Ki Murgi. Staying true to the title, the 18-minute-long watch showcases how a housewife is taken for granted unapologetically.

Ghar Ki Murgi is about Seema Batra, a housewife. The film opens to a shot of a whistling pressure cooker indicating that the steam for undervaluing her is suppressed within. Hailing from a middle-class family, Seema takes care of the house right from cooking breakfast, ensuring her father-in-law takes his medicine on time, pressing her mother-in-law’s feet and much more. However, her family is never satisfied with her efforts. So much so, there isn’t a person who bothers about her.

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Taking time away from her household duties, Seema runs a small beauty parlour. Like a typical Indian housewife, she saves money for the future. However, one fine day, when her husband Sandeep invites his colleagues’ home for dinner, he takes a sharp dig at her business. Here he goes on to mention that he is the sole breadwinner of the family and Seema’s business can’t help in managing expenses. Heartbroken, Seema tries hard to hold back her tears. But Sandeep’s statement and lack of respect for her enables her to take a decision to go on a vacation to Goa all by herself. Sandeep, surprised with her decision, gives a positive nod but half-heartedly. The next day, Seema confirms going on a vacation to unwind. The family begins worrying about managing daily activities and chores in her absence.

Sakshi as Seema does a fine job. In a rare and modest character, the actress puts to use her experience. Subtly but effectively, she brings to fore a message that a homemaker is equally important and the breadwinner isn’t the only one busy. A rebel in a positive spirit, Sakshi excels in each frame and delivers a relatable performance.

Special mention to Laxman Utekar, the Director Of Photography for capturing the narrow bylanes of Old Delhi and the pressure cooker shots, that are metaphoric additions to a good concept, beautifully.

Ashwiny has communicated an important message without being too preachy and melodramatic. Like her other films, the filmmaker gives the audience a bite of reality. Nitesh Tiwari’s story stands relevant and apt given it is made on the occasion of International Women’s Day. While Bollywood is busy with superheroes who come with a cape, Ghar Ki Murgi showcases women as the real winners but without a validation, unfortunately. Most of the things are good, but like all stories have a happy ending with a certain conclusion, Ghar Ki Murgi leaves us waiting for more. After showing Seema as a woman who took a decision to go on a vacation, she seems to be taking herself for granted in the end. A fiery, strong-headed Seema making her own choices is what we wanted to see. 

PeepingMoon gives Ghar Ki Murgi 3 Moons