Malayalam cinema has made strides in addressing societal issues and diverse characters, but queer representation remains lacking. Accurate portrayals are crucial for inclusivity, and the industry is slowly embracing queer stories. We’ll explore five films breaking boundaries and navigating stereotypes to pave the way for the LGBTQ+ community in Malayalam storytelling.
Randu Penkuttikal – 1978
Randu Penkuttikal holds significant importance in the history of Malayalam cinema as it was one of the first films to introduce LGBTQ+ characters to mainstream audiences. Directed by Mohan and written by Surasu, the 1978 Indian Malayalam-language film is partly based on V. T. Nandakumar’s novel of the same name. The film broke barriers by portraying a sapphic relationship, making it a trailblazer in the Malayalam cinema industry. The lead characters, portrayed by mainstream actors, are a lesbian couple whose bond challenges societal norms.
This movie courageously broke away from the norm by featuring a discreet queer relationship at a time when society was less accepting of homosexuality. It sparked a conversation about the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in an industry that typically ignored this aspect of human life. The film’s worth lies not only in its story but also in its impact on shaping perspectives about the LGBTQ+ community and their experiences in Kerala’s film scene. It paved the way for future explorations of LGBTQIA+ topics in Malayalam cinema and served as a tribute to the power of film in challenging societal norms.
Deshadanakkili Karayarilla – 1986
Deshadanakkili Karayarilla is a 1986 Indian Malayalam-language drama film written and directed by Padmarajan. It stars Mohanlal, Karthika, Shari and Urvashi. The plot of this film looks into the relationship of two schoolgirls, subtly hinting at love undertones. Although the nature of their relationship is not officially stated, it has sapphic overtones that leave space for interpretation.
The film is notable for its sympathetic portrayal of a sapphic-coded romance, especially given the film’s age of creation. The film dared to challenge societal conventions by portraying a closeness that went beyond typical friendships. Although it did not explicitly show homosexuality, its subtle exploration of such issues marked a significant step forward for Malayalam films. The film’s significance lies in its ability to address themes that were previously considered taboo or ignored in mainstream cinema, thereby promoting a more inclusive narrative landscape.
Sancharram – 2004
Sancharram is a Malayalam movie that came out in 2004. It was written, directed and produced by Ligy J. Pullappally. The film was inspired by her short film Uli and the true story of two lesbian lovers in Kerala.
Sancharram tells the story of two young women and their emotional and romantic journeys. This film gave an intimate look at their lesbian relationship. It was noteworthy in Malayalam cinema for its unapologetic depiction of a lesbian romance. The film realistically exposes the emotional and societal difficulties that the queer community faces. By doing so, it contributed significantly to the acceptance of the conversation on LGBTQ+ representation in Indian cinema.
It not only sheds light on the issues of same-sex relationships but also humanized queer persons’ experiences, making their stories more relevant to a wider audience. It was a substantial break from previous cliches and prejudices connected with queer characters in Indian cinema, laying the groundwork for more honest and inclusive portrayals. Essentially, Sancharram served as a catalyst for greater acceptance and understanding of the queer community within the cinematic landscape and society at large.
Mumbai Police – 2013
Mumbai Police is a 2013 contemporary noir psychological thriller film directed by Rosshan Andrrews and written by Bobby-Sanjay. The lead actors were Prithviraj Sukumaran, Jayasurya, and Rahman. The character of Mumbai Police is introduced, and his concealed homosexuality becomes a crucial factor in a series of tragic events, including murder.
The movie tackles the complex theme of hiding one’s sexual orientation and its consequences. It does not overtly criticize the lead character’s homosexuality but delves into the complexities and obstacles faced by individuals dealing with concealed sexuality. However, the portrayal of LGBTQ characters in the film falls into stereotypes, which reflects the filmmaking challenges of that time in depicting more nuanced representations.
It’s worth mentioning that, at the time, mainstream Indian cinema was still attempting to portray LGBTQ+ people in more authentic and inclusive ways, and this film shows the limitations of the time. While not a flawless representation, Mumbai Police adds to the expanding discourse about queer characters in Indian cinema by showing the difficulties they faced in a culture that frequently rejected them.
Must Read: 8 Mollywood Crime Thrillers That You Must Watch
Moothon – 2020
Moothon is a 2019 action thriller film written and directed by Geetu Mohandas and co-produced by S. Vinod Kumar, Anurag Kashyap, Ajay G. Rai and Alan McAlex. It features two gay men in love on screen, showcases their relationship, and also includes a transcoded character as part of its story.
Moothon stands out for its brave and tender depiction of gay intimacy, breaking some of the traditional stereotypes seen in previous Malayalam films. The film explores the complexities of love and relationships within the LGBTQ+ community, expressing authentic human emotions and experiences.
Must Read: How One Movie Changed My Perception Of Homosexuality
However, it is worth noting that Moothon also falls prey to the unfortunate situation of gay characters meeting tragic ends, highlighting a persistent problem in Malayalam cinema and the film industry in general. While the film’s depiction is a significant step forward in its sensitive depiction of gay life, it highlights the ongoing challenges of breaking away from clichés and stereotypes. The film adds to the ongoing dialogue about how gay characters are represented in Indian cinema and the need for more authentic and diverse stories that reflect the richness and diversity of the LGBTQ+ experience.
Malayalam cinema is progressing in LGBTQ+ representation, with films like “Sancharram” and “Moothon” offering honest portrayals. However, there are still stereotypes and clichés to overcome. The future is bright with more stories and diverse voices. Let cinema reflect the complexity and beauty of LGBTQ+ experiences.
Have a look: Mollywood Films That Defined The Decade
