How would you define a good woman? A good wife?
Few would describe her as the strong, independent woman of modern India, who leads her own life and takes her own decisions.
However, a large section of the society would define a good wife as one who is the picture of an ideal bahu; one who puts the needs of her husband, kids, and family before her own needs.
The independent short film — The Good Wife — begins on a similar note. The protagonist makes sure she is the perfect picture of a good wife as she walks on a deserted street of Kolkata moments before curfew sets in, to buy fish for her husband, even though she personally despises fish. It’s their wedding anniversary, but we doubt if he remembers.
That wish to please her husband intertwined with an underlying urge to rebel is what makes the film gripping and thought-provoking. Theatre artiste Anshulika Kapoor takes charge both in front of and behind the camera as the film’s producer. Filmmaker Prataya Saha does an impeccable job as a storyteller as he captures the highs and the lows of a housewife, all in a day’s course.
At 17-minutes, the short film captures a plethora of intense emotions, some relatable, some that would make the audience question their reality. The short film has been screened at 12 film festivals in 7 countries and has picked up 8 prestigious awards so far, including one for Best Actress at the Continental Film Festival in Canada and Best Film (Audience Choice) at the Chicago Southland International Film Festival in the US.
Red Polka Productions is hosting a Grand Premiere of The Good Wife in Bengaluru on December 21, 2019, at Suchitra Film Society (entry by invitation only). Stay tuned for my detailed review of the short film!
