Shefali Shah’s ‘Juice’ is a refreshing take on societal gender roles

Read on to know why you should watch this short film by Neeraj Ghaywan,

Juice is a short film directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. It follows the Singh family, who has invited over a bunch of people for a meal. Mr Singh (Manish Chaudhari) and the other men are seen having a wonderful time, drinking, eating and laughing, while their wives slog away in the kitchen.

This is something most of us may have witnessed at some point during home get-togethers. The women work in the kitchen while the men have a gala time. The film’s accurate depiction of gender roles leaves you stumped. In most Indian middle-class (or other) households, a party is more often than not a stressor and source of chaos for the women of the house, while it is a time for merry-making and leisure for the men.

The men and women in the film are separated at their time of arrival itself. The men join the party with the aim to have some fun, while the women are expected to fulfill their ‘domestic duty’. It is, however, refreshing to watch the women huddled up in a hot kitchen have a passionate argument about women choosing to work after they become mothers. Although most of these women have internalized the patriarchy around them, there is a glimpse of hope when they advocate for women’s choice to either not have children or continue to be a working professional along with being a mother.

Mrs Manju Singh, played by the talented Shefali Shah, does not have many dialogues but manages to be a strong character in the film with her facial expressions and emotions. Her character development is fantastic, as she goes from accepting societal gender roles to slowly getting frustrated by how things are and eventually snaps.

Her simple act of pouring herself a glass of juice and dragging a chair out into the hall, in front of a fan, and of course, the men, is ground-breaking. It is precisely in this moment that the film makes a lasting impact.

Her rebellion did not require words and we realize that she made her point when her presence renders the men silent and somewhat uncomfortable.

The film is a commentary on gender roles in Indian households. Manju’s character deciding to look after herself for a change is a huge step in the right direction. The film also conveys that change begins within the four walls of our homes and it does not necessarily require a loud protest. A simple act is enough to spark a revolution.

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