Before letting us into the world of Parvathy Thiruvothu-starrer Kazhcha, iconic actor Kamal Haasan, the narrator of the anthology series Manorathangal, reminds viewers about the matrilineal system that existed among certain communities in Kerala when women enjoyed more freedom. However, this freedom did not last long as ‘modern’ ways crept in and women had to play along with the whims and fancies of the society that then became largely patriarchal. Legendary writer MT Vasudevan Nair’s Kazhcha (vision) talks about a woman who quietly but resolutely wins back her right to have a room of her own so that she can pursue her creative interests.

Why Kazhcha is relevant

Among the 9 segments in Manorathangal, which is based on MT Vasudevan Nair’s stories, Kazhcha focuses on Sudha, a Malayali woman living and working in the 90s Madras. Her husband, a struggling alcoholic, is not much of a support to her financially or otherwise. But Sudha is not desperate for the marriage to work because she has her music to keep her going in life. And when that husband and marital life try to hold her back, she dares to come out of her marital bind without worrying about her family or society in general. 

One of the grievances that many viewers have about the web series Manorathangal is that these stories are from a bygone era and the present generation might not relate to the characters or the settings. But Kazhcha, which was much talked about upon its publication in the 90s, stays relevant in today’s world where the voice for women empowerment is stronger than ever. During a time when legal separations were hardly heard of, MT showcased a woman who chose to be childless and walk out of a failing marriage.

Directed by Shyamaprasad, the segment navigates between Sudha’s recent past in Madras and her present time in a quaint village of Kerala. We see glimpses of her thankless marriage and how she finds a new space and a companion in Vishwanathan as she pursues her musical dreams. She is not hiding away and dares to face her family and friends in the village where the news of her failing marriage has reached before her arrival.

But in the most endearing scenes, Parvathy finds support in an elderly aunt (Valliyamma) who tells her to go for it. Sudha is unable to hide her surprise as the aunt, who is nearly blind, goes on to narrate her trysts and how she chased away the unsuitable suitor and chose her own partner. Sudha tells her that times have changed. We see two women, from two different generations, talk about reclaiming their lives.

Parvathy in Kazhcha

Without making a show of women empowerment, Parvathy plays Sudha to the T. She is not wallowing in grief and there are no power-packed dialogues on how she had to break free from the stifling marriage. But rather a quiet admission she makes to her mother and other ‘concerned’ relatives that this is the best decision for both of them.

With a smile always on the edge of her lips, Parvathy portrays Sudha with dignity as she looks society squarely in the eye and dares to reclaim her life. After the gut-wrenching Ullozhukku, Kazhcha is a worthy addition to Parvathy’s career.

The segment is not without its flaws though as some of the performances look forced and the dialogues don’t come across as natural. But look over these, and you will get a poignant story with a strong message. 

Nadiya Moidu in Sherlock

Another endearing woman character in Manorathangal is the Malayali expat woman in America, played by Nadiya Moidu, who is chechi to Fahadh Faasil’s Balu. Though the series focuses on Balu and Sherlock, the cat, Nadiya Moidu was also able to leave a mark with her nuanced portrayal of a woman who despite fulfilling the ‘American dream’ is left lonely and desolate.

Manorathangal is streaming on ZEE5 and OTTplay Premium.

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