Flavors of Flesh|Mar. 26, 2021|India|95 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy;Drama;South;Indian
Description: The movie “Biriyaani” (2021) explores themes of gender inequality and societal norms through the story of Khadeeja, a woman in a troubled marriage. The narrative begins with Khadeeja experiencing a lack of emotional connection during intimate moments with her husband, who treats her as an object rather than a partner. Her husband’s dissatisfaction with her enjoyment of self-pleasure highlights the oppressive cultural and religious beliefs that deny women the right to sexual fulfillment.
Khadeeja’s struggles extend beyond her marital life. She has a strained relationship with her in-laws, and her mother suffers from anxiety attacks, worsened by her husband’s long absences during fishing trips. Despite being educated only up to high school, Khadeeja contrasts sharply with her well-educated brother, who recently returned from working in the Gulf as an engineer. Her mother’s anxiety resurfaces when her brother leaves without explanation, prompting Khadeeja to calm her by planning a village feast to honor their father’s death anniversary.
The film also delves into broader socio-political issues, depicting a shift in cultural dynamics as Malayalees returning from Saudi Arabia introduce more radical ideologies, overshadowing India’s traditional Sufi and Salafi practices. This transformation raises concerns about its role in fostering extremist activities. Khadeeja’s life takes a drastic turn when her brother is linked to ISIS, leading to an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Her husband quickly divorces her via a triple talaq text message, cutting ties to protect his family and forbidding her from contacting their son.
Desperate for answers, Khadeeja and her mother approach Abubakar, her brother’s handler, who advises them to avoid further contact to evade scrutiny. They are also ostracized by their mosque, leaving them isolated. Eventually, Abubakar delivers a letter and financial support from her brother, offering a glimmer of hope in their dire circumstances. The film poignantly portrays the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society, emphasizing themes of resilience and survival.
Cast director: Sajin Baabu
Cast actor: Kani Kusruti, Shailaja Jala, Anil Nedumangad, Thonakkal Jayachandran, Mini I G, Surjith, Sanal Kumar Sasidharan, Shyam Raji
Original name: ബിരിയാണി