The Great Indian Kitchen

The Great Indian Kitchen is a 2021 Indian Malayalam-language movie directed by Jeo Baby and starring Nimisha Sajayan and Suraj Venjaramoodu in the lead roles. The film constitutes an in-depth exploration of patriarchal Kerala society, focusing on the customary elements that perpetuate gender disparity and domestic servitude. It presents an evocative commentary on the societal conceptions of a woman's place in the family unit and society at large.

The narrative revolves around a newly married woman, brilliantly portrayed by Nimisha Sajayan, whose name remains undisclosed throughout the film, symbolizing the reality of countless women whose identities have been swallowed up by the institution of marriage. She enters her husband's, played by Suraj Venjaramoodu, traditional home with dreams and aspirations that are met with harsh reality.

The film syncs beautifully with its title, metaphorically presenting the kitchen as a realm of domestic chores imposed on women, underlining societal sexism ingrained by generations of customs and traditions. The primary narrative consists of a multitude of kitchen scenes that emphasise the mundaneness and relentless nature of the work women put in. The protagonist is involved in a ceaseless cycle of cooking and cleaning, a life that poses a stark contrast to the dreams she harboured.

Suraj Venjaramoodu delivers an outstanding performance as the husband. His character showcases an often unacknowledged, subtle type of oppression ingrained in customary roles: a man who fails to see his wife's discontentment, hidden behind her selfless service at the kitchen. It brings a relatable depiction of countless marriages, where a woman's role is restricted to the kitchen, and her identity and aspirations submerge into thankless lists of chores. The height of irony is evident as he teaches moral science in school while denying basic equity at his home.

"The Great Indian Kitchen" also subtly broaches the topic of religious observances and societal taboos towards menstruation. It reflects the stigma and age-old practices associated with menstruation, including the absurdities crafted around impurity or the systematic alienation women receive during their periods. This portrayal is a portal into the dark closets of a society that prizes outdated customs over women's dignity and comfort.

The cinematography of the film, by Salu K. Thomas, is noteworthy, adding visual depth to the narrative. The long, drawn-out shots of household chores make the audience feel the protagonist's monotony and claustrophobia in a routine that never seems to end. These scenes, uncluttered by dialogues or background scores, present a stark narrative of monotony and domestic captivity, striking a chord with viewers.

The film does not shy away from portraying the blatant neglect and disregard for housework, often viewed as less valuable because it's unpaid and expected from women. Director Jeo Baby deserves credit for skilfully portraying gender inequality in the private sphere and society's conditioned blindness towards it. Although the kitchen becomes a site of oppression, it also paradoxically becomes a source of liberation for the protagonist.

The understated performances by both the lead actors mirror the director's intent to highlight everyday life's routines and oppressions, without over-exaggeration or histrionics. It's the culmination of these mundane oppressions that forms the actual climax, taking viewers closer to the unspoken realities of countless Indian households.

"The Great Indian Kitchen" serves more than a snapshot of a woman's life as a homemaker. It offers an impactful discourse on the dynamics of gender, tradition, and conservatism within the sacred boundary of marriage. The superb performances of Nimisha and Suraj, accompanied by a distinct and thought-provoking narrative, make the film an unmissable cinematic experience. While the film can be downright unsettling with its representation of reality, it's this profound authenticity that makes it a standout.

In essence, "The Great Indian Kitchen" is a brilliantly constructed social commentary that delves into the depths of the patriarchal system, attempting to create a dialogue about the unfair treatment of women in society. With its courageous take on overshadowed issues within Indian households, this film provides a critical examination of gender roles shaped by tradition at the intersection of culture and domesticity.