A New Chapter in Kerala's Cinema: Women Take the Lead

Malayalam cinema, long celebrated for its fearless storytelling, is witnessing a shift as more female directors and women-centric narratives emerge. While the industry has been known for its sharp critiques of patriarchy, the number of films led by women has remained disproportionately low. That tide is slowly turning.  

 

Breaking Barriers:  

- Films like Feminichi Fathima, Appuram, and Victoria are challenging traditional norms, bringing nuanced portrayals of women's struggles to the forefront.  

- Feminichi Fathima explores the suffocating reality of a woman trapped in a rigid household, while Appuram highlights the defiance of a woman choosing love over caste restrictions.  

- Victoria follows a Christian woman navigating societal expectations while working at a beauty parlour, offering a fresh perspective on gender dynamics.  

- Despite these strides, the industry still grapples with a lack of female directors, a gap that the Women in Cinema Collective has been actively working to bridge since 2017.  

 

Kerala, often praised for its progressive social policies, remains a land of contradictions where patriarchy and resistance coexist. As more women step behind the camera, Malayalam cinema is poised to redefine its narrative landscape.  

 

Sources: Economic Times, MSN News, Indian Express