#Shorts – ‘Everything Is Fine’ is a story of every housewife and mother who breaks a little everyday

Everything Is Fine is a story of every housewife and mother on the verge of a breakdown. She is helpless and desperate for a companion who would support her or simply lend an ear without any judgements.

Side note: This is not really a film review, but my thoughts after watching this honest and heartfelt short film… twice.

I had the opportunity to watch Everything Is Fine at an event months before its official release. The film made such a strong impact that I had to speak to its maker, Mansi Nira Jain. I didn’t want to discuss the film in particular because it was quite self-explanatory and dissecting it would take the essence away. But I wanted to know more about her vision, her craft and her story (click here to watch our interview).

When was the first time you witnessed your mom reach her tipping point and break down? When was the last time? What happened the next day?

Everything Is Fine is a day in the life of a mother and a tired housewife who breaks a little everyday, and then mends herself the next day.

She’s never on a break even when she’s on vacation. She’s responsible for packing all the essentials, making tea, cooking all meals, attending to relatives and taking care of everyone’s needs.

Actress Seema Pahwa, playing ‘Asha,’ effortlessly slips into the character of a mother keeping it together, even when she’s on the brink of falling apart.

After a long hectic day of traveling and listening to patronizing remarks, she goes up to the terrace at night to release the emotional baggage. Her daughter ‘Bitto,’ played by actress Palomi Ghosh, finds her crying and is obviously concerned.

However, instead of consoling her, the otherwise supportive and independent daughter rebukes her mother’s plea to leave her father. Bittoo’s advise is perhaps how we are conditioned to deal with such distress – just sleep on it and everything will be fine tomorrow.

The film also subtly captures how men can be so conveniently condescending – they can’t stand their wives ‘nagging’ them for their smoking habit, their work is always more important than the lady’s, their sacrifices are greater …

On the third day, Asha decides to go off on her own and explore the city; That’s her way of breaking all the rules for a moment and living for herself. She buys jootis (shoes), enjoying a rickshaw ride and smoking under the blue sky. She then invites her daughter to join her on a boat ride, not to gain sympathy or concern, but simply accompany her.

Maybe sometimes that’s all a mother needs – a companion to enjoy the ride once in a while, so everything feels fine. 

You can watch Everything Is Fine here: