The (lack of) women in Malayalam cinema: Big films reduce Bhavana and Anaswara to mere presences, while underdogs take the lead in lesser ventures
From Varshangalkku Shesham and Malaikottai Vaaliban to Malayalee Recent high-profile Malayalam films featuring Indian and Nadikar stars Bhavana, Anaswara Rajan, Sonalee Kulkarni, and Kalyani Priyadarshan have treated their female characters like simple accessories.
Away from the flash and sparkle of Mollywood, two Malayali women, actresses Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha, co-star Chhaya Kadam, and director Payal Kapadia wrote history when their film All We Imagine as Light became the first Indian film to win the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. "An immense range of films are made here, with even arthouse films getting distribution," said Kapadia, praising the Malayalam industry in an interview with reporters about the state of Indian cinema.
Cut to: The emergence of Malayalam films, in which women play largely supporting roles, has sparked heated arguments and discussions on Kerala's internet forums. Some people disregarded these discussions, but others contended that forcing women to be represented as
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