Watch The Great Indian Kitchen

The Great Indian Kitchen is a 2021 Malayalam-language drama film directed by Jeo Baby. The film is a strong commentary on the patriarchal Indian society and the following subjugation of women. The movie stars Nimisha Sajayan in the lead role, with Suraj Venjaramoodu and Ajitha V.M. in supporting roles. The film sheds light on the struggles that women in India face, particularly in the domestic space.

The Great Indian Kitchen is a simple yet powerful film that follows the life of a newly-wed woman as she adjusts to her new life and duties in her husband’s household. Nimisha Sajayan plays the role of the young wife, who is expected to shoulder all the domestic responsibilities without any respite. The film is set in Kerala, and it vividly portrays the customs and norms of a traditional household.

The film opens with an upbeat wedding sequence, followed by the introduction of the newlywed bride to her husband's family. Initially, everything seems idyllic, and the bride is thrilled about her new life as a housewife. Her days are filled with cleaning, cooking, and taking care of her husband and in-laws. She tries her best to please her husband and make him happy but finds her efforts are not enough.

As the days pass, she begins to feel suffocated and caged in her new life. She is not allowed to pursue her hobbies or even watch TV without permission from her husband. The kitchen becomes her only solace, and she finds solace in cooking. The film beautifully captures the mundane chores that women do every day, from washing the dishes to chopping vegetables, and shows us how these chores are often taken for granted.

The film's strength lies in the portrayal of the relationship between the husband and wife. Suraj Venjaramoodu plays the role of the husband, an educated and rational man who fails to understand his wife's plight. He is more concerned about conforming to societal norms than understanding his wife's needs. The film beautifully showcases the subtle emotional abuse that women face, and how it can be just as damaging as physical abuse.

The character of Ajitha V.M. plays a pivotal role in the film. She is the mother-in-law, who initially appears to be supportive of her daughter-in-law. She tries to give her advice and comfort her whenever possible. However, her character arc takes a darker turn towards the end, and viewers are left with the question of whether she was a genuine helper or a typical abettor of patriarchal norms.

The film's directing is masterful, and the cinematography enhances the grim yet realistic mood. The film takes excellent advantage of the lack of background music, and the scenes are played out in complete silence, which only enhances the emotions of the characters.

In conclusion, The Great Indian Kitchen is a poignant and thought-provoking film that takes a deep dive into the challenges and societal norms that Indian women face in their lives. It successfully portrays the sad reality of how the kitchen can become a prison for many women. The film is a must-watch for anyone who wants to broaden their perspectives on the challenges of domestic life for women in India.

The Great Indian Kitchen is a 2021 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.