FREEDOM FIGHT, Malayalam movie Review

Freedom fight is an anthology film that tells five different stories that are centred around the interpretations of freedom that are still lacking in different sections of society. 

GEETHU, UNCHAINED.

Probably, this one will be so relatable to the youth as it tells about the restrictions that are imposed on a youthful girl by society. It's not just blaming the older generation for such social conditioning but also exposing the patriarchal mindset that advocates the limitations imposed on girls even in contemporary society. Geethu, being the heartbroken girl who gently tries to escapes from the emotional leftovers of her past relationship, but makes her choice politely at the end even at the cost of a happy ending. 

ASANGADITHAR

This is a film that addressed a serious issue among the women who work in unorganised sectors for their livelihood, where the basic "Right to pee" is still remains unattainable. Even the governments couldn't solve this issue with stringent legislations and it's implementation as the other basic labour rights are also highly refuted in this unorganised sector. Film makes the critical observations in all such regards and flashes its lights upon this issue in multiple dimension of Gender stereotyping, Party politics, bureaucratic delays, Patriarchy, corruption and favouritism. 

RATION.

This is very lucid story that tells about how pathetic is the Income divide in our society. It makes the portray of this reality very convincingly through a plate of Neymeen from a rich family which kept to freeze with their a lower middle class neighbours. The latter, unknowingly cooks these fishes and manages to give it back at the cost of their wedding ring.

OLD AGE HOME.

There are two popular and contrasting arguments about old age homes. Geriatric care and comfortable environment as it's positives on one side and irresponsible children and their busy life on the other hand. This film actually clubs both of these arguments by showing us how bad if our home itself is transformed and behaving like an old age home.

PRA.THU.MU.

Though the title seems little awkward at first instance, it will feel very suitable at its last. This film is one of the most revolting among all the other four stories. It exposes social stigma against scavengers though the film doesn't support the practice of manual scavenging. It remarks its criticism against castism and protests against the mindset of people who still passes their intolerant abomination against this profession even more precisely from one of the elected representatives. 

POSITIVES (In Total).

Being a girl, worker, poor, and elders face constraints to their own freedom of choice. This denial is brilliantly addressed in the film with every layer of perfection and inclusiveness. 

Making an anthology that tells the same concept, was a nice attempt as it could make the whole film escape from being named as a juxtaposed exhibition of realism. In that way, short but powerful narratives through different stories turned out to become a clever decision.

Visuals, especially that of "Ration" was nice with their wide camera angles just before the start of most of the scenes. Black&white colour tone of the Pra.Thu.Mu stands out not just with its colouring but thematically reflects the perception of our society.

The final track of Pra.Thu.Mu points out a spearheaded encounter on castism and social stereotyping with the checkmate from Dignity of labour. 

NEGATIVES(In total)

Anthology films with social issues may not be enjoyable to those who consider films in a narrow perspective of entertainment and pastimes. 

Issues like the Income gap, labour rights, Social inequality, personal choices etc all end up literally with fights, either with the society or with the authorities as the title suggests, but no one wins in any stories except the women labours. This may make one feel hopeless.

Portraying almost all the male characters as habitual snatchers of women's freedom is not politically correct.

In old age home, scenes are too slow in tally with the brain waves of the protagonist. It's artistically great but sometimes feel lagging.

"Why Sumi's rich neighbour didn't have a refrigerator??" No reason is cited.

RATING.

Am giving 4.5 /5 for this great film that proved and tried to fulfil the purpose of cinema s an artform with it's commitment to the society.