Madhura Manohara Moham: A Regressive Take on Family Dramas

From unmasking casteism disguised as humor to misogynistic undertones a very disappointing movie with failed attempts at Humor and weak script. Are we still in the 90s??

Family dramas have been a recurring genre in Indian film since its inception, and they frequently uphold patriarchal norms and casteism. Even while there has been improvement in recent years, there are still films that reinforce negative notions. One such film is Madhura Manohara Moham, a Malayalam "romantic family drama" that disappointingly regresses into the problematic patterns of the past.

At first glance, Madhura Manohara Moham appears to mock casteism through humor. However, this facade quickly fades away as the film fails to challenge or condemn the underlying casteist beliefs portrayed by its characters. The story progresses, showcasing characters' blatant casteism and bigotry without any attempt to satirize or critique these harmful ideologies. This omission allows the film to join the ranks of those that glorify upper-caste pride and perpetuate unabashed casteism.

The film also exhibits strong misogynistic undertones throughout its narrative. Male characters are portrayed as innocent or naive, cementing a foundation for the film's misogyny. Meanwhile, female characters like Usha and the fish seller are consistently depicted as gossipers, reinforcing the stereotype of their non-naive and casteist attitudes. Meera's character, while briefly acknowledging double standards, eventually succumbs to a judgmental lens, perpetuating the age-old stereotype that labels women as "theppukari." This stark contrast between the treatment of male and female characters further deepens the film's regressive stance.

Despite its intention to generate laughter, Madhura Manohara Moham's attempts at humor fall flat due to their contrived nature. The script, penned by Mahesh Gopal and Jai Vishnu, proves to be weak and offers no respite to the viewers. The lack of clever comedic writing further compounds the film's flaws, leaving the audience disillusioned.

Madhura Manohara Moham is a disappointing film that fails to contribute to the societal progress made in recent years. Instead of challenging regressive narratives and promoting equality, it reinforces patriarchal values and perpetuates casteism. This movie serves as a reminder of the struggles we have faced and fought against, taking us back to square one. As viewers, it is essential to voice our opinions and actively criticize such films to ensure the growth and inclusivity of Indian cinema.

Comments

It's High Time!! We Need to Act for the Western Ghats

Today, a devastating landslide in the hilly regions near Meppadi in Wayanad, Kerala, has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 63 lives, with 116 people injured and hundreds more believed to be trapped. This disaster, which coincides with heavy rainfall, is a stark reminder of the urgent need to heed the warnings and recommendations of the Gadgil Report. The recent landslide in Wayanad is not an isolated incident. Kerala is a state highly vulnerable to natural disasters and the changing climatic dynamics given its location along the sea coast and with a steep gradient along the slopes of the Western Ghats. Kerala is also one of the most densely populated Indian states (860 persons per square kilometer), which makes it even more vulnerable to damages and losses on account of disasters. The heavy rainfall triggered a landslide that swept through the region, causing significant destruction and loss of life. Such incidents highlight the fragile nature of the Western Ghats and the dire co...

When Cinema Dares to Challenge Power

A film is meant to be an artistic expression, a reflection of society, and sometimes, a bold mirror held up to power. Empuraan , the much-anticipated sequel to Lucifer , has not just continued the story of Khureshi Ab’raam alias Stephen Nedumpally but has ignited a larger debate. Beyond its grand cinematic experience, the film has managed to disturb certain factions, not because it tells lies, but because it dares to tell uncomfortable truths. The Fear of Truth? From its very first frames, Empuraan establishes itself as more than just a political thriller—it’s a commentary on power, corruption, and manipulation. It presents riots, political conspiracies, and systemic control not as religious conflicts but as carefully orchestrated power plays. Remember what mausi said in the movie? When a film brings up the Gujarat Riots, for example, why does it cause an uproar? What is there to hide? The fear is not about what is being said but about the possibility that people might sta...

How to Make the Most of Your Sunday

As a student, Sunday often feels like a bittersweet transition from the freedom of the weekend to the responsibilities of the week. It's the day that marks the beginning of the end, where the thought of assignments, projects, exams, and the endless stream of tasks seems to hover in the air. It's not uncommon to feel the dread creeping in – that mixture of anticipation and anxiety as Monday looms closer. But what if I told you that Sunday could be the secret ingredient to having a successful and stress-free week? The challenge isn't unique to students. As a corporate employee, my Sundays became a different kind of challenge. The relaxed feeling of the weekend is often overshadowed by the anxiety of the upcoming workweek. It is seen that employees have constant pressure of meetings, deadlines, and an overflowing inbox waiting to be tackled. For employees, Sundays become a battleground of balancing relaxation and preparing for another hectic Monday. Now, as a woman managing ...

G Writes

Search This Blog