Kerala film industry was once known for dolling
out soft porn films that made money. Surprisingly, the trend is changing. For
the last couple of years, a number of interesting films with contemporary and
very relevant themes are being made in Kerala. And most of these films are
low-budgeted, but they are making more than double in terms of profit. Some of
the interesting films that have come out in the recent past in Malayalam
include, ‘Chappa Kurish’, ‘Ee Adutha Kalath’ ‘Indian Rupee’, ‘Salt and Pepper’
and ’22 Female Kottayam’. Each of these films has been well-crafted.
’22 Female Kottayam’ is a female-oriented
film that portrays how a woman can fight male exploitation through which she
all but loses her self esteem and confidence. While man thinks that woman is
essentially at his service, here woman proves him wrong and makes him learn a
lesson or two on what woman is and can be capable of.
Director: Aashiq Abu
Film Clip
The film revolves around Tessa, a nurse who
aspires to go to Gulf in search of better prospects. She meets a travel agent
Cyril who, knowing well that she has no one, dupes her by pretending to fall in
love with her. While the concept of love is real for Tessa, for Cyril it is
just another game. She is raped twice by Cyril’s employer and later accused of
drug peddling and sent to jail. Life seems all lost for her. However, she is
not the one to give up easily without making the culprits realise what it means to suffer and for no reason. And lesson she does teach, for as she
admits, she has nothing to lose, after being raped twice and seeing hell in
jail.
The film raises several issues. Who has to
bring about liberation for women? Who has to empower her? Traditionally, it is
believed that men have to secure liberation for women. However, the film seems to
suggest something different. It is women themselves who have to fight their own
liberation and also fight the injustice meted out to them by patriarchy. But,
what means could they use? Any means that will serve the larger goal!
While the film is not preachy or indulging
in male bashing, it does make a point quite powerfully. Rima Kallingal as Tessa
steals the show in the film.
- Melwyn Pinto SJ
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