Watched What?
The Great Indian Kitchen
Watched Where?
Amazon Prime
Language / Genre
Malayalam – with subtitles / Drama
What’s it about?
A newlywed couple is just warming up to each other when, with the mother-in-law having to travel abroad for the delivery of her daughter, the responsibility of running the house is transferred to the new bride.
What seems like duty soon becomes a chore, with the father-in-law and husband refusing to lift a finger to help, even as they keep piling on expectations without acceptance.
The pampered, by his wife, the father-in-law wants things to be done just so. The son pretends not to understand the distress his wife goes through to do them all. Everything the new bride does or doesn’t is judged, and it is the weight of the endless and very subtle judgments that begin breaking her down.
What did I think of it?
If you are married, the 1st thing you realize is that the house’s kitchen is the seat of power. That is the only place where all your other freedoms are taken away if control is given to you. If you are bound to the kitchen, you are never free.
No matter where the woman of the house may excel, none of her achievements matter if she fails in the kitchen.
The Great Indian Kitchen highlights issues that can be found in every household.
Pampered men who don’t lift a finger and expect everything to be done for them.
Expectations passed down as family heirlooms: if my Mother did it all without complaining, so should my wife.
The Male Ego is so fragile that a joke can easily shatter it. So humungous that a suggestion about intimacy can make them punish their wife by cold-shouldering them.
How a man’s role in the house is dynamic, while the roles set for a woman are predefined.
Writer and Director Jeo Baby is an astute observer, and that comes through in his script and direction.
The weight of expectations, traditions, and what each family describes as ‘norms’ are just a yoke to keep women reigned in. Baby chooses the most subtle manner to present hard-hitting truths that will make many uncomfortable.
Wow or Not Now?
Malayalam Cinema is one of my favorites as they dare to choose everyday subjects, present them to you in the simplest possible way, and leave you thinking about them for a long time. If intelligent filmmaking is what you look for and you can read between the lines, The Great Indian Kitchen is the film for you.
What Else?
Simply brilliant performances by Nimisha Sajayan and, of course, Sooraj Venjaramoodu, the lead pair. Jeo Baby deserves a round of applause for his sensitive direction.
***** Five Stars to The Great Indian Kitchen
*M’s Rating Chart.
* I want my money back + a fully booked and paid 3 month trip to _________(please fill in a destination of choice)
** I don’t want my money back even though I didn’t like the movie, but the director/producer may please pay for my popcorn/samosa/parking.
*** Time and money are both well spent!
**** Loved it!
***** Whistle, clap, even smile at the irritating neighbor-who-kept-talking-on-cell phone and extol the movie’s virtues.
I would love to watch this. I agree, when husband is not at all used to of helping out in the kitchen then its a big problem for the wife. This story looks very simple yet relatable.
Thank you, Alpana. I have a feeling you will enjoy watching this film.
I really liked the story And would love to watch this. Looks quite realistic. Good that it has come up with subtitles
I am yet to watch this film. Will reserve it for the weekend watch.
I have been wanting to check this movie out. I will watch hit today hopefully. Thanks for the wonderful review
Sounds interesting, Mayuri. I have been hearing so much about it. I am not big on watching movies with subtitles, but this seems to be worth it. Need to check if it is available on other platforms.
I so connect with this. I am married to a very loving and understanding man who shares all the household responsibilities. I did not know how to cook when I got married…he was the the one who taught me. But I see so many women in my extended family who are bogged down with household and kitchen work. And yes…all this is considered a women’s responsibility even today. As women I think we can be the game-changers and bring up the younger generation so that both genders take responsibility of housework as well as earning. I have always felt it should be based on where one’s interest lies rather than what gender one is.
This looks like a story of every household. Everyone would relate to a piece or whole of it for sure. A lady who is incharge of the kitchen indeed has a hell lot of work and no matter how much she achieves at the corporate front, the kitchen is the toughest place of conquer.
I have never watched or thought of watching Malayalam Series or Cinema; your review made me curious to know more. The story is something of every next door in our society. I will watch it for sure.
Even I love Malayalam movies for the same reason. They take so simple yet pointing subjects. The plot looks very exciting. I will definitely watch this one.
Story line is very interesting.. As,you said if a wife fails in kitchen she is failed irrespective of her career is so true here!! Change is needed..
Would love to watch..
I have hardly watched Malayalam movies, but yes with whatever I have watched, I agree when you say that they present everyday life with utmost simplicity. This plot sounds interesting 🙂
I have been reading so much about this film but still have not watched it. It is the story that every married woman would relate to. Your review is very refreshing and honest.
The title itself got my curiosity. The great Indian kitchen has so many tales to tell. This sounds like an interesting one and very relatable as every new bride goes through a trial by fire in India. Sounds like an interesting plot. Would love to check it out.
I have not heard of the movie even, but your review seems interesting. I’ll check it out!
Malyaalam movies are my favorite. I don’t know why Netflix refused to stream this movie. I will definitely watch this movie. Wonderful review. This movie is in my list for so long.
A lot of households have a similar story. Pampered sons don’t lift a finger and refuse to understand the situation as well. Should be a good watch, will check it out.
I have been hearing about this show. The concept sounds interesting. But at my age, it is difficult to read subtitles.
Looks like an interesting plot 🙂 nice one shall definitely watch it!!
It seems that it is a good show. Is this available in Hindi or English on any other platform?
Sounds like a very interesting plot . I wish we could change this indian mindset regarding women .Looks quite realistic.
I would definately check out this movie. Been ages since I saw a malayalam movie. Yes Kitchen skills and house keeping skills are what matter the most. No matter, what your professional achievements are if you fail in these two, you are a looser for life.
I just watched this movie yesterday as my sister recommended it to me. While being a Mumbai based Keralite, I know the practices in the state. While a women is expected to takeover the kitchen and cook 4 times a day in an elaborate manner, later cleaning up all the leftover mess, it is also true that many households have progressed with literacy and awareness in most of the part. Also, while I appreciate the acting and direction, it really irked me when the Shabarimala angle cum menstruation part was shown as one of the reasons for the women to quit her marriage. Had she spoken up earlier or had her parents not agreed with the terms and conditions of the boys prior marriage, the girl’s fate would have been different.
This movie has been in my to watch list for so long. I think I have to this week at least.
It sounds like a story from every other household in India and what you felt is exactly what I feel….. and with power comes great responsibility which is not always fair
That is so true, Arti.
Seems to be a series of making husband’s Atmanirbhar, if not already! Interesting storyline
Truly, Neha.