Women's Voices : A Critical Exploration of Female Characters in Malayalam Cinema

The paper 'Women's voices: A critical exploration of female characters in Malayalam cinema' paper delves into the critical exploration of women's portrayal in Malayalam cinema, charting its progression from traditional representations to more complex and assertive narratives. While early films confined women to stereotypical roles rooted in societal expectations, later decades saw a shift, with stronger female characters emerging amidst persistent patriarchal constraints. Contemporary cinema offers nuanced depictions of female experiences, yet underrepresentation, objectification, and gender disparity remain significant challenges. By analysing key films and employing feminist theoretical frameworks, this study highlights how Malayalam cinema reflects and shapes societal attitudes toward women. It also examines off-screen gender dynamics, emphasizing the urgent need for equitable representation and transformative change within the industry. It also addresses the off-screen challenges women face, as highlighted by the Justice Hema Committee report, and emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and equitable cinematic landscape.