The Great Indian Kitchen

Finally, I watched "The Great Indian Kitchen" today in one go, owing to discussions scheduled for (pushed out to) this weekend ,in my class group. Oh my, the director had a clear agenda in mind, and he made it. 

Outwardly, its the story of a woman coming out to freedom, being entangled in a circle of male ego, patriarchy, irresponsibility, irrelevant customs in the name of tradition, and even sex slavery - some of which still hold good to some extent in some Indian families - some of them make us raise a brow and question if these things still exist. 

However, the success of the director/script is in its subtle projection of hypocrisy, society that still upholds patriarchal treatment, taking relations for granted, suppressing the lady masked under statements like "you are the Devi/ MahaLakshmi of the house", how women themselves are barriers for other women, how suppressed emotions build up and vent like the steam from the pressure cooker, and of course, male domination/ego. This is where, many connect with the movie - even though none of the main dramatic incidents ever happen directly in most of our life.

Take for example (spoiler alert, er) these are where we can ALL relate to one thing or the other:

- the friend who invites the couple home is seated on the dining table with his young son, while his daughter, mother and wife would eat later. 

- the relative who randomly visits the house creates more mess than help, in the name of cooking and sparing the lady of house work that evening, in addition to him casually asking, "what, is this even the way someone makes tea? (little shy of saying - "oh, your tea sucks, lady!" on her face) - I can personally relate to this last incident from a 'random guest'.

- those who buy into this patriarchy without speaking up - the well educated MIL, a long time victim, who is Ok with the daily 'chores' she has to do 'without complaining'. Well, she is very kind, but she didn't teach her son to help around the house, or speak up to her husband, the FIL. In fact, the DIL's mom as well - who hasn't asked her son to do his own basic chores till the girl finally raises her voice.

- the aunt character - beyond comments

- the MIL's well-to-do daughter, exploiting her kind mom, almost taking the relationship for granted 

- Usha and the kid - welcome, practical entries

- the FIL, calm but villainous, who doesn't lift a finger but recommends tedious ways of doing things for him.

- the repulsive husband character, ego filled, hypocrite, lazy/irresponsible, capable of guilt-tripping his wife for his mistakes/issues

- the DIL, a normal young girl, thrown into this big mess, who has no means to vent and hence the final pressure cooker effect

The main incidents make one question if these things still happen in today's society/ this day and age. However, bits and pieces do happen. What/How is/are each one of us going to do our part in making our lives better (and that of the ones around), is a question we all leave with - regardless of gender. One thing which was standing out was the menstruation isolation. Back in the days, when women predominantly took care of household chores and house affairs, they needed rest and self isolated (however despicable it may sound in revealing one's period attendance to everyone) - many women face painful periods and their immunity also fluctuates that time - staying separate  to rest, avoid germs has been twisted by several communities over the years, but today, no woman has to say anything to anyone about her personal things. 

Great opening and ending songs (awesome choreography/production), and I liked the one hummed constantly by Usha. Overall, a must watch.