Entertainment

Two years of 'Kumbalangi Nights': 5 memorable scenes from the Malayalam superhit 

Written by Syam Pushkaran and directed by Madhu C Narayanan, "Kumbalangi Nights' was a riot against the established social order that at many times let toxic masculinity flourish. The superhit movie, that was released on February 7 2019, opened a much-needed conversation on the family system and feminism among Malayalis. Here are five scenes that you are highly unlikely to forget if you have watched the movie at least once.
Written by Syam Pushkaran and directed by Madhu C Narayanan, 'Kumbalangi Nights' was a riot against the established social order that at many times let toxic masculinity flourish. Here are five scenes that you are highly unlikely to forget if you have wat
Written by Syam Pushkaran and directed by Madhu C Narayanan, 'Kumbalangi Nights' was a riot against the established social order that at many times let toxic masculinity flourish. Here are five scenes that you are highly unlikely to forget if you have wat
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'Jesus is not somebody we don't know, right?: Babymol defends her inter-religious relationship before her elder sibling in a very cute way. But her statement is very strong at the same time as she gently reminds that we have co-existed as followers of Jesus, Muhammed, Siva and Buddha for a long time now. Religion and caste hardly makes anybody 'the other' anymore and hence can't be and shouldn't be the reason to break souls in love. (YouTube screengab)
'Jesus is not somebody we don't know, right?: Babymol defends her inter-religious relationship before her elder sibling in a very cute way. But her statement is very strong at the same time as she gently reminds that we have co-existed as followers of Jesus, Muhammed, Siva and Buddha for a long time now. Religion and caste hardly makes anybody 'the other' anymore and hence can't be and shouldn't be the reason to break souls in love. (YouTube screengab)
'I want to do it too, but I am scared': This scene should be considered along with the theatre scene where Babymol slaps Bobby (consent matters) for invading her privacy. This confessional statement by Babymol in an effort to pacify her angry boyfriend is something that conventional patriarchy should hear loud and clear. Women have emotions too, men alone can't be in the driving seat - not always. (YouTube screengab)
'I want to do it too, but I am scared': This scene should be considered along with the theatre scene where Babymol slaps Bobby (consent matters) for invading her privacy. This confessional statement by Babymol in an effort to pacify her angry boyfriend is something that conventional patriarchy should hear loud and clear. Women have emotions too, men alone can't be in the driving seat - not always. (YouTube screengab)
'Whatever type of brother you are, talk to her with respect': Simi's breaking point was the final triggering for Shammi. However, the scene is important as the young woman finally decides to come out of her humble, devoted wife avatar and take on her alpha male husband. Her message (to all chauvinists) was crisp: It doesn't matter you consider her as your own kin or not, punk. You CANNOT address a woman without respect. Period. (YouTube screengab)
'Whatever type of brother you are, talk to her with respect': Simi's breaking point was the final triggering for Shammi. However, the scene is important as the young woman finally decides to come out of her humble, devoted wife avatar and take on her alpha male husband. Her message (to all chauvinists) was crisp: It doesn't matter you consider her as your own kin or not, punk. You CANNOT address a woman without respect. Period. (YouTube screengab)
'Call me big brother': Saji is the oldest among the four brothers -- the man who is supposed to be the breadwinner of the house and take care of his younger siblings in the absence of the father and mother in the family. However, his lousy lifestyle has derailed his relationship with them and ripped him off all respect from their end. This particular scene is hilarious because the fundamental Malayali way of fixing the holy matrimony in the presence of family elders has forced Bobby to ask Saji for help and his brother is no mood to give in easy. Call me 'chetta' or forget it, he declares. (YouTube screengab)
'Call me big brother': Saji is the oldest among the four brothers -- the man who is supposed to be the breadwinner of the house and take care of his younger siblings in the absence of the father and mother in the family. However, his lousy lifestyle has derailed his relationship with them and ripped him off all respect from their end. This particular scene is hilarious because the fundamental Malayali way of fixing the holy matrimony in the presence of family elders has forced Bobby to ask Saji for help and his brother is no mood to give in easy. Call me 'chetta' or forget it, he declares. (YouTube screengab)
Burning the bully alive: If you really believe Shammy asks Bobby and Nylah to leave his sister-in-law's homestay when he finds them both together because of his love for the Indian culture, well, stop reading here. The reason why certain men have a problem with young couples holding hands in public, hugging or even celebrating Valentines Day is mere frustration. Shammi is a classic example of a sexually frustrated Malayali male who is in perennial search of reasons to prosecute and abolish freedom and love that others enjoy because that is a cake which was never offered to him. The movie leaves a piece of advice to such men, the solution is simple, guys - develop a personality that can win you a woman's respect and heart. Bonny just nailed it with his sign language. (YouTube screengab)
Burning the bully alive: If you really believe Shammy asks Bobby and Nylah to leave his sister-in-law's homestay when he finds them both together because of his love for the Indian culture, well, stop reading here. The reason why certain men have a problem with young couples holding hands in public, hugging or even celebrating Valentines Day is mere frustration. Shammi is a classic example of a sexually frustrated Malayali male who is in perennial search of reasons to prosecute and abolish freedom and love that others enjoy because that is a cake which was never offered to him. The movie leaves a piece of advice to such men, the solution is simple, guys - develop a personality that can win you a woman's respect and heart. Bonny just nailed it with his sign language. (YouTube screengab)
Feminism
Shane Nigam
Fahadh Faasil
Soubin Shahir
Patriarchy
Syam Pushkaran
Kumbalangi Nights
Madhu C Narayanan

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