Bechdel Test : A Brief Analysis Of Malayalam Cinema

Bechdel Test is basic gauge in which we can analyze whether or not a film or other piece of fiction treats women in a sexist or gender stereotyping way. Popularized by the cartoonist, Allison Bechdel in the year 1985 through her comic, “The Rule” (Dykes to watch out for), this test became a crucial way to see whether women are reasonably portrayed in a movie or any other fictional work. It also helps to highlight the representation and recognition of female characters.For a film or a fictional work to pass the Bechdel Test, it should comply with three criteria: 

1. The film or the fictional work must include two or more “named” women. 

2. These women should talk or interact with each other.

3.They must have a conversation about any topic other than “men”. 

Here we will discuss and analyze some Malayalam movies and check whether will they pass the Bechdel Test.

Deshadanakkili Karayarilla (1986) 

This movie has successfully passed the Bechdel Test, since the main characters of the movie Sally (portrayed by Shari) and Nirmala (portrayed by Karthika), throughout the movie have a full fledged conversations and plans with each other, about their life. We can also see the character of Devika teacher, played by Urvashi, having meaningful interaction with the central female characters of the movie.
This movie is undoubtedly a ‘Feminocentric’ one and Padmarajan indeed broke all the conventional norms by giving the female characters much more importance than any other movies, considering the fact that women and their representation were least expressed in that period of time.

Directed and written by the veteran director Padmarajan, this movie stars Karthika, Shari, Urvashi and Mohanlal in its lead. 1986 was the start of “Golden Age” of Malayalam Cinema and with no doubt this movie astoundingly portrays the subtle and unexplored subject of that time, ‘Homosexuality’, in an indirect way. With his ingenious ideas, Padmarajan showcase the subject of female sexuality by maneuvering the minds of the viewers, obliquely.

Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989)

Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha is a historical-drama, directed by Hariharan and was released in the year 1989. With star-studded cast and crew this movie earned the National Award for Best Actor (Mammoty) and National Award for Best Screenplay (M.T. Vasudevan Nair). Thus, this movie helped in receiving a lot of recognition and popularity of Malayalam cinema during the 90’s. 

The whole movie revolves around ‘Chandu Chekavar’ and this movie as a matter of fact is a “One Man Show”. Women in this movie are displayed only as “sexual objects” rather than showing the robust side of their characters. The only female character which is given at least some importance is only that of ‘Unniarcha’(played by Madhavi), but she too is portrayed more sensually, eschewing the one scene in which she show her skill of ‘Kalaripayattu’ with her father, in front of a whole crowd.

This movie is a popular classic, though it utterly fails the Bechdel Test! It does not have any women interacting with each other and is predominantly, a patriarchal display of Malayalam cinema.

Kumbalangi Nights (2019)

Kumbalangi Nights, directed by Madhu C. Narayanan was widely appreciated by all the movie fanatics for its brilliant story line and the felicitous characters of the movie. Sushin Shyam’s tracks and songs were also loved by everyone and these songs are still hummed by many people.

The movie portrays the life of four brothers and how they get along together to solve all their problems. The female lead of the movie is Anna Ben (Baby Mole), who plays the love interest of Bobby (one of the four brothers). Grace Antony is plays Simmy, sister of Baby Mole. 

This movie is a fan favorite but does not pass the Bechdel test, because of the vague display of women characters. The only conversation the female leads have together is that of Bobby and nothing else. The women should have given much more screen time and meaningful conversations to enhance their own relationship with one another. Instead the directed tried to highlight the male characters and thus sidelining the female leads. 

Virus (2019)

Virus(2019) is a medical thriller film co-produced and directed by Aashiq Abu set against the backdrop of the 2018 Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala. The film was written by Muhsin Parari, Sharfu, and Suhas. It stars an ensemble cast that includes Kunchacko Boban, Tovino Thomas, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Rima Kallingal, Revathi and so on.

The movie deals with the outbreak of the novel Nipah virus in Kozhikode and it's neighbouring districts in 2018 and how the state dealt with its contamination and extermination. The film progresses with real life experiences of people which we are aware when it has happened and also creating a backstory for each affected patients it creates an interest in narration

The movie was a box office success and garnered critical acclaim after it's release. Virus is one of the movies that passes the bechdel test. Parvathy who plays Dr. Annu and Revathy who plays C. K Prameela, the health minister have conversations about the situation and the virus at various points in the movie. Their conversations with the character of Dr. Smruthy Bhaskar, played by Poornima Indrajith in the course of the movie are also important to the story

Successfully passing the Bechdel test does not means that and gender discrimination has stopped in Film Industry.  It will take a lot of effort and hard work to bring women to “lime light” rather than showcasing them as a sensual object. 

We have a long way to go. PERIOD!!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

- Prudentia and Lustitia.