Soul Stories Story, Review, Trailer, Release Date, Songs, Cast 2024 -

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Soul Stories Story :-

Directed by Sanil Kalathil and starring Anarkali Marikar and Suhasini Maniratnam, the Manorama Max series remains true to its core theme, highlighting the struggles faced by women.

Soul Stories Review :-

In a year when Mollywood faced criticism for sidelining women in many blockbuster films, it’s refreshing to see a Malayalam anthology series that centers entirely on women’s perspectives and stories.

The series opens with Anarkali Marikar’s Kiss of Kochi, which raises an important question about consent: Does even a casual hug or a peck on the cheek require consent? Is Vaishnavi, played by Anarkali, overreacting, or is it a matter of asserting dominance? The episode makes a compelling argument for the importance of consent, even in non-sexual interactions and across all genders. Anarkali delivers a strong performance as Vaishnavi, who boldly reclaims her respect and takes an unconventional approach to assert her authority. The supporting cast enhances her portrayal, and the dialogues are sharp and impactful.

In the second episode, we follow Suhasini Maniratnam as Rani, who pursues her passion for dance while juggling family responsibilities. It raises the question: when does a woman truly get the chance to chase her dreams amidst the constant demands placed on her at every stage of life? Suhasini’s performance is a joy to watch, and her graceful dance movements are captivating. Notably, this marks the first time the veteran actress has dubbed for her character in Malayalam, prompting curiosity about why previous productions didn’t offer her this opportunity.

The third episode, titled “On the Lap of a Lion” (originally “Simhathinte Madiyil”), shines with the performance of young Nimna Fathoomi as Raiza, a teenager reluctant to attend school, much to her parents’ dismay. Nimna effectively captures the anguish and confusion of a plus-two student, receiving strong support from Renji Panicker as the psychologist and Asha Aravind as the mother, both of whom embody their roles effortlessly. However, while the story makes a compelling statement about changing times, it presents a somewhat one-dimensional villain in the form of a teacher.

The fourth episode of Neeril Veezhum Pookkal is the longest at around 40 minutes, delving into themes of women’s sexual choices and desires. It’s commendable that the series addresses such a sensitive topic, which remains underrepresented even in progressive Malayalam cinema. However, the execution and writing for one of the characters could have been stronger. The narrative also incorporates class differences, focusing on the relationship between the protagonist, Arundhathi (Dayyana Hameed), a caretaker in an apartment, and Daisy, one of the affluent residents.

In the fifth episode, Brarthamanam, the focus shifts to a young woman facing judgment for her clothing choices and their broader impact on her life and family dynamics. The episode explores the heavy expectations placed on women by both their families and society. Although the young woman’s monologue is thought-provoking, it occasionally feels unnatural in its delivery.

Soul Stories Trailor :-

Most of the series is set in and around a high-end apartment complex in urban Kerala, creating an affluent backdrop for its stories. However, Neeril Veezhum Pookkal stands out by focusing on a modest household near the railway tracks. Each episode runs for about 30 minutes, making it a breezy watch, but the resolutions to the problems often feel overly simplistic. While the characters in Soul Stories aim to appear progressive, their overly understanding nature detracts from realism; a more authentic approach could have added depth to the series.

Final Thought

Manorama Max’s first original Malayalam series remains true to its core theme, showcasing the struggles of women across its five episodes. While a more nuanced narrative could have enhanced the series, Soul Stories deserves praise for powerfully advocating for women’s issues.