The Kerala movie story

 The Kerala Movie Story

The Kerala movie "S Durga" is a bold and controversial film that explores themes of gender, sexuality, and power dynamics in modern India. Directed by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan, the movie follows the journey of a young woman named Durga and her partner Kabeer as they embark on a road trip to a religious festival in a remote village in Kerala.

The movie is shot in a raw, documentary-style format, which adds to its gritty and authentic feel. It also uses a lot of symbolism and allegory to convey its message, making it an intellectually stimulating watch.

As Durga and Kabeer make their way to the festival, they encounter various challenges and obstacles along the way. The first of these challenges comes when they are stopped by a group of policemen who question their motives and intentions. Durga, who is dressed in a revealing outfit, is immediately subjected to unwanted advances and harassment by the male officers. This scene highlights the rampant misogyny and patriarchal attitudes that are prevalent in Indian society.

The next major obstacle that Durga and Kabeer encounter is when their car breaks down and they are forced to hitchhike. They are picked up by a middle-aged man who takes them to his house, where he offers them food and shelter. However, it soon becomes clear that the man has ulterior motives and wants to take advantage of Durga. In a tense and disturbing scene, Durga is seen trying to escape from the man's clutches while Kabeer looks on helplessly.

The final act of the movie takes place at the religious festival, where Durga is the victim of a mob attack by a group of men who are outraged by her outfit and her behavior. This scene is a harrowing depiction of the violent and oppressive attitudes that are prevalent in many parts of India, especially in rural areas.

Throughout the movie, Durga is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who refuses to be cowed down by the men who try to control her. She is unapologetic about her sexuality and her desire to live life on her own terms, even if it means facing ridicule and condemnation from society.

The movie also explores themes of religion and spirituality, with several scenes set in temples and other religious sites. It questions the validity of blind faith and the need for people to question their beliefs and values in order to live a fulfilling and authentic life.

Overall, "S Durga" is a thought-provoking and challenging movie that pushes the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in Indian cinema. It has been embroiled in controversy since its release, with the Central Board of Film Certification initially refusing to grant it a certificate for public screening. However, the movie has gone on to win critical acclaim and several awards, including the prestigious Hivos Tiger Award at the Rotterdam Film Festival.

In conclusion, "S Durga" is a movie that deserves to be seen by anyone who is interested in exploring the complex and often contradictory realities of modern India. It is a bold and powerful work of art that challenges viewers to confront their own prejudices and preconceptions about gender, sexuality, and power dynamics.