VISUALIZING WOMEN STEREOTYPES: A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE FILM 'THE GREAT INDIAN KITCHEN'

Films have consistently served as a narrative medium reflecting the discourses of male patriarchy in society throughout the ages. In particular, a significant portion of Indian cinema perpetuates male- centric stereotypes, depicting women as the weaker sex—an inaccurate representation of reality. Joe Baby's Malayalam film, 'The Great Indian Kitchen,' meticulously replicates prevalent customs dictating women's roles and explores various aspects of women's emancipation. The film delves into the frustration and discontent experienced by a married woman, highlighting her struggle to conform to the traditional patriarchal roles of being a wife and daughter-in-law. By the film's conclusion, it unravels her journey as she breaks free from the confines of this stereotypical system. This paper aims to focus on the deconstruction of women stereotypes ingrained in our society, with a specific examination of how 'The Great Indian Kitchen,' directed by Joe Baby, portrays and challenges these beliefs within the context of typical Indian societal norms. Employing a discourse analysis method, the film is scrutinized to derive meaningful findings.