Disclaimer: Written from the writer’s personal world of thought,
these views stand as their own and may or may not reflect ours.
MOLLYWOOD HONOR WITH WOMEN’S BODY
Cinema is often seen as an escape. A place where stories unfold, emotions run deep, and endings feel complete. But sometimes, films don’t feel like fiction at all. They feel uncomfortably real. Especially when they reflect how society treats women—their bodies, their choices, their silence. Across several Malayalam films, one pattern quietly repeats: A crime happens. And somehow, the shame shifts… to the woman.
When Protection Became "Control"
HITLER: Madhavankutty. The “perfect” brother. Protective. Responsible. Always there for his sisters. But what happens when protection is truly needed? One of his sisters is assaulted by her own professor. A crime. A violation. Madhavankutty is shattered. Not just because of what happened… But because he believes her life is now “over.” The professor even says: “If she had screamed, I would have let her go.” And somehow, the blame quietly shifts… again. Now comes the real question. If he is the protector… why isn’t he protecting her through justice? Instead, he convinces her to marry the same man. A crime becomes a marriage. A rapist becomes a husband.
What if the story was different?
What if he stood by her and said:
“We will fight this.”
What if he chose law over silence? Support over control? Would she be seen impure?
Or just a woman who deserves justice? Maybe protection isn’t about controlling a woman’s future. Maybe it’s about standing with her when the world tries to break her.
Being a brother to many sisters is seen as a “burden” in our society. Somewhere along the way, protection turns into control and that becomes patriarchy. It could have been different, if they were simply allowed to live their lives on their own terms.
When Love Becomes Fear
NOTEBOOK: One of my favorite movies I grew up watching. Friendship, hostel life, small joys… and Pooja’s amma’s food. Simple life. Until love enters. Sreedevi and Sooraj. Unexpected. But also, one of the most beautiful parts of the film. But love had to be hidden. Because in their world, love itself was a risk. One college trip. One moment. And suddenly… her entire life is at stake. Not just because of what happened. But because of what society would say. They studied in a place that felt more like a prison than a college. No space to talk. No space to understand. No space to make mistakes. So, they handled everything alone. In fear and silence.
Well in an alternative world: What if love wasn’t treated like a crime? What if relationships weren’t forced into secrecy? What if sex education was normal? Not taboo. What if they knew what they were doing..and what it could lead to? Would Sreedevi’s life still feel like it was over? Or would it just be a phase she grows through? Wouldn’t sreedevi and sooraj living happier in some corner of the world?
And these strict institutions, were they protecting students? Or leaving them unprepared for real life? One thing the movie got right is Alexandar, Sarah’s dad. The one who stood, believed his daughter. Maybe that’s what protection should look like. Not fear. Not control. But trust.
Do you feel the content disturbing… Then pause for a moment and think:
- When did “honor” become something a woman carries alone?
- Why is silence still seen as strength?
- Who are we really protecting—women, or society’s image?
Love, But at What Cost?
NAMUKKU PARKKAN MUNTHIRITHOPPUKAL: Solomon and Sophia. A love story we all remember as pure. Gentle. Honest. But beneath that love… there’s a painful reality. Sophia carries a trauma. Not something she chose. But something done to her. Yet… She sees herself as “impure.” Not because she did something wrong. But because society made her feel that way. Solomon, on the other hand… Is seen as “noble” for accepting her. Think about that. A man is praised for loving a woman. While the woman feels she has to be “accepted.” Why is love seen as generosity from a man… and redemption for a woman?
- What if the story felt different?
- What if Sophia never saw herself as “less”?
- What if she didn’t need acceptance…
but only healing? Maybe the problem was never her.
Maybe it was the idea that a woman’s worth can be damaged.
The Weight of Silence
PUTHIYA NIYAMAM: A peaceful family living their normal life, until everything changes when Vasuki is assaulted. What follows is not just trauma, but the silence she carries. She feels like her life is over, not just because of what happened, but because of what it means in society. Even though she stands up for herself and fights for justice, the part that stood out to me was how she had to keep it a secret from her own husband and children. To protect the family’s name, dignity, and honour, she chose to go through everything alone.
In an alternative world, where speaking out was normal and not shameful, she could have fought for justice with support instead of hiding. And even if her husband knew and chose to stay silent, that doesn’t make him noble either; it just shows how silence is often mistaken for strength.
To conclude, movies are fictional stories we often fantasize about or wish could happen in real life. Yet, the films I mentioned don’t feel like fiction at all. They reflect the reality we live in. If these stories were written differently the alternative way I imagined wouldn’t women and girls be living with a little more peace? Without fear? Without silence?
A video becomes a family’s honour. Silence becomes protection. And survival becomes something women have to hide. Even today, many girls aren’t sent on trips. Not always because something unsafe will happen, but to “protect” them from men. But if restriction is the solution to everything…
is that even living?
Comment your thoughts below!
