The Great Indian Kitchen : Director Jeo Baby’s “The Great Indian Kitchen” sparked a dialogue about women’s daily confrontations with patriarchy, sexism, and superstition. During the lockdown, the Malayalam film gained unexpected popularity and received critical acclaim. Now, two years later, the Tamil remake of the same name has hit theaters on February 3. Let’s examine how the remake has fared!
Movie Ratings
Release Date 15 January 2021 Language Malayalam Genre Comedy, Drama Duration 1h 40min Cast Nimisha Sajayan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, T. Suresh Babu, Ajitha V.M, Ramadevi, Kabani, Sidhartha Siva, Anupama V.P, M.V. Suresh Babu, Nishitha Kallingal, Gireesh Perincheeri, Aparna Sivakami, Suresh Achoos, Anagha Ashokmore… Director Jeo Baby Writer Jeo Baby Cinematography Salu K. Thomas Music Sooraj S. Kurup, Mathews Pulickan Producer Dijo Augustine, Jomon Jacob, Vishnu Rajan, Sajin S Raj Production Mankind Cinemas, Symmetry Cinemas, Cinema Cooks Certificate 18+
“The Great Indian Kitchen” introduces us to Aishwarya Rajesh and Rahul Ravindran, who meet at a matchmaking ceremony. When he asks her about cooking, she responds that she knows how to cook. This seemingly innocuous exchange sets the stage for Aishwarya’s realization that she has married into a patriarchal household where her husband and father-in-law are privileged. As time passes, she becomes increasingly aware of the entrenched ideologies and begins to push back.
The Tamil remake closely follows the original, with minor changes in the climax. However, it is a condensed version that effectively portrays the mundane routine of a housewife. The film highlights the repetitive chores and the lack of appreciation for her efforts, emphasizing the oppressive environment she finds herself in.
While Aishwarya Rajesh delivers an outstanding performance, effectively conveying the frustration of a woman stifled by societal norms, Rahul Ravindran’s portrayal lacks the authenticity and impact of the original. His character’s imposition of toxic beliefs falls short compared to the Malayalam version.
Despite its merits, the Tamil remake rushes through certain aspects, particularly the Sabarimala issue, which may have been toned down to avoid controversy. Nonetheless, subtle nuances could have enhanced the impact of “The Great Indian Kitchen.”
Ultimately, while the remake captures the essence of the original, it falls short in capturing the emotional depth and impact of the climax. Director R Kannan’s adaptation lacks the intensity of the original, resulting in a diminished overall effect.
