I have developed a profound appreciation for Indian cinema made in the Malayalam language for its exceptional diversity of content. One film that I recently revisited after an interval is “The Great Indian Kitchen,” a thought-provoking and impactful creation. This film intricately addresses significant societal concerns through its narrative, particularly focusing on gender dynamics, domestic labor, and the expectations imposed upon women within traditional Indian households.
Set against the backdrop of a quintessential Indian family, “The Great Indian Kitchen” immerses us in the journey of a newlywed woman (Nimisha Sajayan) as she navigates her role as a daughter-in-law. The film astutely captures the ordinary yet immensely meaningful facets of her daily routine, underscoring the inequitable distribution of domestic responsibilities and the hurdles she confronts in preserving her individuality.
The film unveils the complexities of patriarchy, often veiled beneath cultural norms and societal conventions. It underscores how a woman’s contributions in the kitchen and household chores frequently remain unseen and undervalued. Additionally, the film provides a commentary on the limited autonomy and choices that women may encounter within such settings.
By offering a realistic depiction of these challenges, “The Great Indian Kitchen” prompts viewers to contemplate the inherent inequalities entrenched within conventional gender roles. The performances, particularly that of the lead actress, enrich the film with emotional depth and authenticity.
“The Great Indian Kitchen” serves as a catalyst for dialogues pertaining to gender dynamics and the imperative for societal transformation. Through the characters’ struggles, the film encourages audiences to challenge preconceived notions and established practices.
As the film unfolds, it gradually captures your attention and leaves a lasting impact. What appeared ordinary in the beginning begins to appear unsettling.
“The Great Indian Kitchen” offers a riveting cinematic experience that raises pivotal queries about gender, family dynamics, and societal norms. It acts as a poignant call to action for advancing progress and equality within domestic life and beyond.
The making of cinema is not just a creative endeavor; it is also an economic pursuit. It’s noteworthy that the Malayalam-speaking community, comprising approximately 35 million, wholeheartedly supports experimental cinema, where filmmakers fearlessly deal with a range of sensitive subjects.
Our recommendation
A MUST watch. It is a must watch for all cinema lovers.
Trivia
The film was released on Neestream, a relatively unknown regional streaming platform. Several mainstream OTT platforms including Amazon Prime and Netflix as well as major television channels rejected the film due to some scenes related to the Sabarimala woman entry issue. However, after an overwhelmingly positive response from the audience, it was released on Amazon Prime.
Credits
Nimisha Sajayan (Wife), Suraj Venjaramoodu (Husband), Jeo Baby (Direction)
