The Great Indian Kitchen (2021)

“The Great Indian Kitchen” is an Indian Malayalam-language film directed by Jeo Baby. The story follows a newly married woman (Nimisha Sajayan) as she moves into her husband’s family home and begins to navigate the traditional gender roles and expectations placed upon her. As she takes on the responsibilities of cooking and cleaning for the family, she becomes increasingly frustrated with her lack of agency and the demands placed upon her.

Review:

“The Great Indian Kitchen” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that exposes the patriarchal norms and gender inequality that exist in Indian households. Nimisha Sajayan delivers a nuanced and powerful performance as the unnamed protagonist, capturing both her quiet resilience and her simmering frustration. Director Jeo Baby‘s understated direction allows the story to unfold in a naturalistic and unforced manner, highlighting the everyday struggles faced by women in Indian households. The film’s unflinching portrayal of the realities of domestic labor and the burden placed upon women is both timely and necessary, and the film’s impact has been felt beyond India’s borders.

Awards:

“The Great Indian Kitchen” has received widespread critical acclaim and has been praised for its unflinching portrayal of gender inequality in Indian households. The film has won several awards, including the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at the 2021 International Film Festival Rotterdam, the Best Film Award at the 52nd Kerala State Film Awards, and the Best Director Award for Jeo Baby at the 67th National Film Awards. The film has also been screened at several international film festivals and has been praised for its timely and important message.