Cinema has always been a powerful medium to reflect social realities. Through stories, characters, and emotions, films often mirror the values, struggles, and expectations present in society. When it comes to the representation of women, cinema does more than entertain—it reveals deeply rooted cultural norms and changing attitudes.
This article examines how women are portrayed in two Malayalam films, Veruthe Oru Bharya and The Great Indian Kitchen, and how these portrayals reflect the evolution of women’s roles within society.
Women and Domestic Identity in Cinema
In many traditional films, women are portrayed primarily as wives and mothers whose lives revolve around the household. Silence, obedience, and sacrifice are often shown as ideal feminine qualities. Women who question these roles are frequently depicted as problematic or rebellious.
Veruthe Oru Bharya reflects this traditional perspective. The film presents the life of Bindhu, a wife and mother whose existence is largely confined to domestic responsibilities. Her struggles are subtle but persistent—her emotional needs are overlooked, and her identity is reduced to her role within the family. The film portrays how society expects women to accept these roles without resistance
The Kitchen as a Symbol of Control
In contrast, The Great Indian Kitchen uses the kitchen as a powerful symbol to highlight gender inequality. The film focuses on the physical and emotional labour attached to household work, which is often taken for granted. The repetitive nature of domestic chores reflects how women’s lives become restricted within four walls.
The film exposes how patriarchy operates quietly through everyday routines. Women are burdened with endless responsibilities, while their work remains invisible and undervalued. Unlike earlier portrayals, this film directly challenges the normalization of domestic oppression.
Changing Perspectives and Female Agency
One of the major differences between the two films lies in how they conclude. Veruthe Oru Bharya attempts reconciliation within the existing structure, suggesting gradual change. The Great Indian Kitchen, however, takes a stronger stance by showing the woman stepping out of the oppressive space to reclaim her autonomy.
Conclusion
The comparison of Veruthe Oru Bharya and The Great Indian Kitchen highlights the transformation in how women are represented in cinema. While earlier films reflected traditional expectations, recent narratives question and challenge gender roles more boldly.
These films not only document social change but also encourage audiences to rethink deeply ingrained beliefs about gender, labour, and equality. Through such storytelling, cinema becomes a catalyst for awareness and transformation in society.
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