Queer Ecologies – Research Paper [May 2021]: The Portrayal of Queerness in Malayalam Films

The term “Queer” mainly refers to anything which pertains to sexual behavior, identity or personality which does not conform to the conventional social or heterosexual norms, and assumptions. Being queer was and still is seen as an abnormality by multitudes in the society. Although it has been more than two years since the decriminalization of homosexuality in India, there are still plenty of societies which ill-treat, ostracize and look down upon the LGBTQ communities. The state of Kerala, having the highest literacy rate amongst all the other states in India, also happens to be one of the states which still look at queerness as an illness and an abnormality, which has to be dealt with and ‘cured’ through counseling and medication. However, in the midst of all these preconceived notions and social injustices against the LGBTQ communities, ‘Films’ stand as a strong medium of communication and a voice for the LGBTQ communities who are seen as ‘nobodies’ in our society. Films that have a theme of queerness tend to stand out from the cliché themes such as [heterosexual] love, patriarchy, hegemony, crime, and so on. The focus of this research paper is narrowed down to Malayalam films which stand as a solid foundation in order to show the portrayal of queerness and this is incorporated through a research question. Malayalam films aren’t just a source of entertainment, but it is also an emotion and an important part of life to the people of Kerala. The portrayal of queerness in Malayalam films have taken a bold stand, with exemplary performances in films like Randu Penkuttikal (1978), Deshadanakkili Karayarilla (1986), Chanthupottu (2005), Njaan Marykutty (2018), Moothon (2019) and more. This research paper throws light upon the various ways in which Malayalam films depict the theme of queerness, which is further carried out by a strong message with regard to the ill-treatment of the LGBTQ communities, the harsh realities and injustices faced by these sexual minorities who live a life filled with difficulties and hardships as they struggle to get a well paid job in a our stereotypical society, that labels them off as a bunch of “misfits.”


Introduction
When we hear the term "Queer," what exactly do we associate it with? Do we directly link it to being 'abnormal' or 'extraordinary?' Although the opinions may vary from one person to another, Queerness has been looked upon as something that needs to be treated in such a way that it is brought back to a state of normalcy. What intrigues me more is the question as to how did we all realize and learn what is normal and what isn't? We have collectively been following the practices and lifestyles that were established centuries ago; not giving a thought about whether or not it is the right thing to follow. For instance, the horrific practice of Sati (a ritual wherein a woman sacrifices herself by throwing herself into her husband's funeral pyre) in India made nobody question it for a long period until it was finally abolished. This was an absolutely outrageous ritual that people have blindly followed in the name of religion. The point here is that, this practice, although morally wrong, was looked upon as the "right" thing to do because that is exactly what elements like religion, caste and class teaches us to live by. In my personal opinion, the problem isn't the fact that we are confining to "conventional practices" wherein, for example, girls wearing pink and boys wearing blue; but the very fact that we are all quick to judge, label and discriminate individuals who choose a rather different way of life; one that is seemingly "unconventional" to most of us.
The topic of my research is "The Portrayal of Queerness in Malayalam Films," simply because it has taken its place as an eye-catching element, especially because of the unwillingness and incapability of the society to accept and approve of the whole concept of queerness. To add on to it, the existence of the social constructs and preconceived notions about queerness generally tend to make matters worse. According to me, these films are pieces of art that have been delicately crafted in order to depict and carry out the theme of queerness as it stands as a platform which portrays and educates the society about the struggles and intricacies in the lives of these individuals belonging to the LGBTQ communities. I feel that it is absolutely necessary that these mediums are utilized well in order to give these communities a voice and for their development. Considering the fact that queerness has always been a taboo, it created a lot of problems for individuals who knew that they aren't heterosexual, and tried hard to come out in a society where they knew that a complete acceptance from their families, peers, and society is a very rare possibility. been brought out to the society that looks upon the LGBTQ communities as a downtrodden bunch. The power vested in the impact that films bring to the society is extremely immense as it creates a sense of awareness as to how and what kind of grave situations these sexual minorities face in our society even to this day. They're generally looked upon in a very negative light and are ostracized from the society because they do not fit into the normalcy of the society as they're considered to be abnormal and a burden to their families. Queer characters in films are portrayed in a demoralized manner and this is pretty much the reflection of their position in society.

'Moothon': Finally a Malayalam film that depicts queer love sensitively and without stereotypes -Navamy Sudhish
The article is a review of the latest film on queer love which released in 2019.
Moothon isn't just a film about gay love, but it is a multilayered film with a large thematic depth, exploring the spectrum of queerness with a raw and lyrical finesse. This article backs up my research paper as it gives a solid review of the most recent Malayalam film about queer love. The film Moothon, which was released in 2019 was an extremely gut-wrenching reality along with its vibrant shades of pain and pleasure portrayed beautifully through the characters in the film. Although the film was not a commercially loaded one, it hadn't failed in captivating its viewers through the rawness of its characters, and of course, its exemplary storyline which depicts the dark and daunting realities that exist in the world. The film has brought out the concept of queer love in an astounding manner and this film happens to be the very first queer film which I watched in a theatre and it was such a wonderful experience to be a part of something so extraordinary and unique. As a part of the audience, I personally felt very disturbed as it was so upsetting to see the plight of the two men who loved each other but couldn't be together due to the fact that they dwelled in a society which looked upon homosexuality as a wrongdoing. This film also happens to be one of the three films which are a major part of my research paper. Moothon is a film which portrays queer love in a very unique manner, intriguing the audience who are taken through a heart-wrenching turn of events which delve deep into a dark world full of lust, betrayal, murder and flesh trade.
Therefore, this article serves as an excellent source which supports my research paper.

Regional Cinemas That Have Represented The Queer Community -Krupa Joseph
This article points out the list of regional films representing the queer community. In India, the first film which was about homosexuality was released in 1978. Many of these films were commercially acclaimed, which means that people were more tolerant and inclusive back then when compared to what people have become today, or that filmmakers saw an opportunity to educate the public more than just providing meaningless entertainment.
The article lists out a set of regional films like:   (2005) -

Moothon (2019)
In order to understand the theme, I watched and analyzed the above three films in such a way that every tiny as well as large detail, be it the gestures of the character in the film or the ambience of the shoot location were all duly noted and understood in terms of the existing problems which the gender and sexual minorities have been facing for decades.
Films are a good source of information and detail as it further exposes us to minute details which generally go unnoticed by many among the audience. These minute details present in the films form the crux of this research paper which has a foundation formed by these details noted in all the three films, which would further help us raise questions as to why something happened the way it happened. There are articles related to queerness in films, which has been referred to in order to get more credible information for the topic of this research paper. seen to be a very bold and boisterous character, whereas Nirmala is gentle, shy and quiet.
There is a scene in the film where the two girls go shopping to buy new clothes and they use one trial room to change their clothes (00:32:12) and this is shown in a very subtle manner making it look very normal but at the same time, it adds to the intimate bond of the two girls.
After they leave the store, it is clearly seen through the choice of dressing of the two girls (00:32:18) as to who has a more masculine side to her, and that is Sally, who wears a pair of pants and a shirt tucked in, whereas, Nirmala wears a dress and is seen to be more feminine.
There is another scene in the film where Sally decides to cut her hair (00:48:09) in order to go unrecognized when her picture comes in the newspaper saying that the two girls are missing.
This shows that she's the kind of girl who makes bold decisions and is a daredevil, whereas Harishankar, who says that he didn't want to disturb them because he thought they were a couple as he was sitting behind Sally, who looked like a man to him (01:04:16). This shows how they're being looked through the public eye in a very unusual manner. In the film, it and Radha overhears everything and weeps bitterly, when his mother comes to him (00:42:12) and tells him that he has to prove everyone wrong by showing them that he is a man through his character and dressing and that girls should desire him and try to woo him.
This film shows how many problems Radha faces due to his choice of dressing and behavior.
It comes to a really brutal point where he is labelled as the 'curse of the village' and is asked to leave the village, for the good of its people (00:56:47). There is a scene in the film (01:04:29) where Radha argues with his father and tells him that he is a man and he isn't leaving the village, and to this his father ridicules him. The fact that he knows that he is a man but doesn't behave like one is well portrayed to the audience as Radha stands up for himself trying to prove to his family who pays no heed to what he says but looks at what he is on the outside. They don't take into consideration the fact that he is in love with Malu, but puts him down for his set of choices and character which is, by convention, well-suited for a woman and not a man. Kumaran tries to kill Radha for trying to take Malu as his wife common characteristics of a man begin to appear as Radha changes his effeminate nature and becomes the man that the society wants him to be. There is another scene in the film where Freddie, Rosie and their friends join together and give Radha a makeover so that he'd look masculine (01:31:54). This clearly shows that Radha, whose effeminate ways made everyone come to a conclusion that he would be mistreated, harassed and looked down upon as an abnormal individual. And hence, he was forced to change his ways and taught how to fight and dress like a man to prove to everyone else that he is masculine in nature so that he'd be able to earn a good reputation and respect from people. The whole film is based on the struggles faced by Radha to live in his village filled with stereotypical people who have extremely shallow mindsets. The film brings to its audience the concept of queerness seen as a very shameful thing which shouldn't be practiced or followed. The film gives a clear-cut message that although the protagonist likes his effeminate ways, he had no choice but to change himself for the society that mocked and looked at him as a curse.
The third film is Moothon, directed by Geethu Mohandas and released in 2019, starring Nivin Pauly, Roshan Mathew and Sanjana Dipu. The film is about a young girl called Mulla, who disguises herself as a boy and sets out to find her brother Akbar. In the film, Akbar and Ameer share a unique and extraordinary love. Ameer is a deaf and mute man who falls in love with Akbar who equally finds himself drawn to Ameer. Their love is extremely sensitive and gentle and it is seen as a huge wrongdoing when their families get to know of their relationship. There is a scene in the film when Akbar stands in front of the mirror and smiles at his reflection-his eyes rimmed with kohl, and his face beaming with emotions. In the midst of the scene, there is a look of happiness and contentment in his eyes as he looks at his reflection, and this is right before he goes to Ameer's house, where he lights a cigarette and knocks his door. Ameer opens the door and looks at Akbar who nervously stares at him as he feels there is tension between them. Ameer, however, is at ease and lets There is also a huge transition seen in the character of Akbar who was seen as shy and meek  intimate. Queerness is portrayed through the character of Sally, who cuts her hair and dresses like a man and suppresses her feelings and emotions that she has for her best friend Nirmala, fearing the judgment of the society. She is seen to be very protective of Nirmala, especially when she sees her bonding with Harishankar whom she sees as a threat to their friendship and their plan of eloping. Sally's character brings out a very bold and possessive stance in their friendship, whereas Nirmala is seen as the meek and gentle character. Sally is also seen as a very shrewd, blunt and rustic person and never easily trusts anyone. She is seen as a character that one would never mess around with. In a subtle way, the film portrays Sally as a man in their relationship, and Nirmala as the woman due to the obvious femininity that her character is made up of. Sally and Nirmala commit suicide in the end as they feel that death is the only safe place where they can be together with each other in peace. They look at it as their last resort and their safe haven. They chose their own fate and let nobody else decide for them.
In the film Chanthupottu, Radha is a man who has an effeminate nature, due to which, goes to Malu and his baby who awaits his arrival, and on seeing that his baby boy is wearing bangles and a hair tie, he immediately takes off the accessories and tells Malu that their baby is a boy, and that he should grow up like a boy. This film gives us a true reflection of how the society functions in terms of dealing with the concept of queerness. The society instills into the minds of the youth, a set of ideas and notions which are to be followed as rules or norms.
These ideas and notions of the society are the main cause of the rate of suicides among sexual minorities who feel suffocated as they live their lives the way in which the society wants them to live it; taking the lives of Sally and Nirmala as an example. The society lives their lives for them, telling them what they should be, and who they should marry and how they should live. They live with no freedom of expression and choice. In the film Moothon, the lack of freedom of choice and expression is seen clearly through the eyes of Ameer who couldn't even verbally express his feelings, yet he loved Akbar through his unsaid words and gestures. Akbar and Ameer share a love that is so pure and gentle as they cared about none who were against them. Ameer was beaten when his love was revealed to his family who stood in their way with a marriage proposal for Ameer, who decided his own fate and hung himself as he couldn't imagine living a life on someone else's terms. The moment that Akbar spends in front of the mirror is seen as a very significant moment when he looks at himself and smiles and this is seen as a form of acceptance and peace made with who he actually is and how he wants to live his life. All these characters from these films are striking examples of the brave hearts that exist in our society, facing oppression, being ill-treated, and looked down upon as the 'abnormal.' They are human; just like any of us. Just that they're unique and rare humans who strive to live a normal life in a toxic society like ours. We are no different from them; probably, just the fact that they are far more pure at heart than we'd ever be. This paper employed three films namely, Deshadanakkili Karayarilla (1986), Chanthupottu (2005), and Moothon (2019), which throws light upon the portrayal of queerness in Malayalam films. Through these films, the ways in which queerness is portrayed through the scenes and the splendid performances of the actors who played the characters in the films putting in their raw emotions and turning it into a work of art, portraying their problems faced due to their queerness, how they face their fate and how society deals with them has been mentioned in a detailed manner. The paper also briefly mentions the struggles faced by the sexual minorities in our society.