BiswajitSince2005

"When Pritiraj and Naina attended BCE business meeting to promote their movie, "My Sweet Housewife," it initially appeared as like just another casual gathering. However, when Anshu Tripathy extended an invitation to the premiere of the film, curiosity prompted me to attend. I also received a personal invitation from Pritiraj, further fueling my anticipation. On November 3rd at 1:30 PM, I found myself at Maharaja Hall, ready to experience the movie. After writing more than 100 movie reviews in other languages, here I am, writing my first ever review of an Odia movie that touched my heart. I am glad that I got the opportunity to watch "My Sweet Housewife" which forced me to change my opinion about Odia movies.

Traditionally, housewives were often taken for granted, relegated to the role of managing household chores like cooking, cleaning, childcare, and other domestic duties. They are supposed to stay within the confines of the home. However, the traditional concept of a housewife is no longer the sole or expected role for women, with diverse family structures and gender roles now being more widely accepted. Currently the term has been more accepted as a homemaker.

"My Sweet Housewife," an Odia film directed by Sisir Kumar Sahu and Peenakee Singh, explores the role and transformation of the conventional definition of a housewife. The film follows the story of Rudra (played by Pritiraj), a government employee, and his wife Aparna (played by Naina), a quintessential housewife. Rudra is an extremely possessive husband who insists that his wife remain within the home and avoid interacting with people outside. He believes a wife's rightful place is inside the home. Aparna sacrifices her passion for singing and playing harmonium to conform to Rudra's vision of the ideal housewife. She willingly sacrifices her own happiness to ensure her husband's well-being. However, there sometimes comes a moment when even the most selfless individuals revolt when their ambitions and happiness are suppressed. Aparna's turning point occurs when she receives an invitation to an old school reunion, only to have Rudra vehemently deny her the opportunity to attend, citing concerns for her safety.

Watching this movie, one can deeply resonate with it, as it masterfully captures moments that seem to be drawn from real-life experiences. Several scenes exude authenticity, such as the one where Aparna discovers her bindi on Rudra's face upon waking up. This simple gesture reflects the intimacy and shared connection between a husband and wife. The joy she finds in discovering loose changes before washing Rudra's pants evokes the lives of many middle-class family housewives. Another memorable scene is the one where Rudra grants Aparna permission to visit the astrologer on Saturdays. Aparna's joyful dance is a reminder of the simple pleasures that can bring us joy in life. Her ringing bells to let her husband know that she is in home doing Pooja while she is partying with friends will make you fall in love with Aparna.

"My Sweet Housewife" beautifully illustrates how seemingly inconsequential events can leave a lasting imprint on our lives, emphasizing the profound impact of simple yet powerful concepts. The film boasts commendable music and benefits from the exceptional direction by Sisir Kumar Sahu and Peenakee Singh. However, it is the narrative crafted by the writer that truly captivates the audience. Viewers are likely to develop a genuine fondness for the characters Rudra and Aparna, brilliantly portrayed by Naina and Pritiraj, respectively.

Naina, an established actress with a diverse portfolio encompassing movies and television, shines in her role as Aparna (Apu). She adeptly captures the intricacies of a housewife striving to preserve her identity and individuality within the confines of a patriarchal marriage.

Pritiraj, who has built a strong career with a variety of roles over the past 14 years, delivers a compelling performance as Rudra. He convincingly portrays a possessive and controlling husband who is oblivious to the emotional impact of his actions on his wife.

"My Sweet Housewife" is a must-watch for enthusiasts of quality cinema. The film delves into the evolving role of women in society, offering food for thought and emphasizing the significance of communication and mutual respect in relationships. In sum, "My Sweet Housewife" stands as one of the finest Odia movies in recent memory, a film that lingers in your heart long after the credits roll."

Pihu is the story of a two-year-old girl who has been trapped inside a home when her father went on a tour to Kolkata and her mother committed suicide after a night long fight with her husband.

This is supposedly inspired from a real-life story authenticity of which I am not sure of. It has been seen that the kitchen tap is running, iron switch is ON and there has been constant power cut all day long. With limited foods and no access to outside, Pihu is in for a day long ordeal. Myra who has played Pihu played very natural Infront of the camera. The entire movie revolves around this two-year-old played by the six-year-old Myra and her emotions. While you will be on the edge of your seat all along, you also won't be able to breathe properly until you finish watching the movie. The movie has so much disturbing moments that would make you say one thing, "I'll take care of my child". I must say, Vinod Kapri has done a tremendous job.