The majority of the first 20 or 30 minutes of the movie are of household chores. You might find it frustrating. But that's the point. If watching a few scenes of cooking and cleaning makes you frustrated, imagine how the ones who does those things feel.
You might also feel some scenes were exaggerated. Yes, things have changed a lot in most places. But trust me, there are still some people who follow those ridiculous rituals.
Some idiots might say this is against Hinduism and all. But it's not. These same people would've said people like Ayyankali and Sree Narayana Guru were anti-Hindu.
Nimisha Sajayan and Suraj delivers awesome performances as usual. But I'd love to see something different from Nimisha. The actors who played Suraj's parents were good.
The movie mocks the hypocrisy of so called "believers".
267 Reviews
A Common Sight in Majority Households
nandhanaapj15 January 2021
The GREAT MALE
rajdoctor16 August 2021
I had heard about this movie in 2020 in a review stating one among the top 10 Malayalam movies one should watch. I got to watch it recently
And within the first 5 minutes - I was absorbed in it
It is a brilliant movie. A Class apart that reflects a hidden dark truth of Indian society in general - more pertinently of the Brahminical higher class families who see women - as servants and the ones who do work and cook and serve the males.
The issue is old and told many times before, but this time the Screenplay writer turned Director Jeo Baby has hit the nail hard not shying away from showing the truth as is.
The story is simple. An educated dancer (several award-winning actress (Nimisha Sajayam) gets arranged-married to a teacher (Suraj Venaramood) in a traditional patriarchal family. Life as a newlywed bride with domestic routines starts with a bliss but slowly turns into a realization of the ugly truth of drudgery and patriarchal exploitative undertones - of how religious yet dirty these family men can be.
Joe Baby through his tightly knit script does not miss a beat in every little detail of how insensitive men treat women - more in case their wives. Juxtaposed to the wife - the director has also shown other women - normalising the drudgery life with happiness and servility
Nimisha Sajayam has done a brilliant job in acting through all the hard-work and dirtiness of daily household work load. The best part is there is not a single thing told as being preachy or shown negatively to create our audience's sympathy for the wife.
Yet the sensitive audience will root for the wife. The best part of the movie is the ending which I won't reveal here to lukewarm it. It is dirty and good.
Frankly I have seen a really good movie after a very long time. Surely all men who are patriarchal and pretending to be goody-goody husbands and kind - would find it very difficult to sit through this movie. They might not even understand - what is going on.
It is also possible that many wives and women too would not be touched by the subject shown in the movie
This movie is a brutal truth as a tribute to the Indian wives married in an arranged marriage setup.
I can keep on adding praise - worthy for his movie. It is once in a decade that such movies are made that are not only educational but socially changing.
Brave, exceptional, powerful, must watch, classic - a hard slap on all the Indian mentality (which includes all family members who think women are here to do household chores)
I recommend this movie to every husband, wife, in-laws and family members as compulsory viewing; and have discussion around their own households and daily lives.
I would go with 8.25 out of 10 One of the highest rated movies of mine on IMDB (there are only 2 other rated so high by me)
The issue is old and told many times before, but this time the Screenplay writer turned Director Jeo Baby has hit the nail hard not shying away from showing the truth as is.
The story is simple. An educated dancer (several award-winning actress (Nimisha Sajayam) gets arranged-married to a teacher (Suraj Venaramood) in a traditional patriarchal family. Life as a newlywed bride with domestic routines starts with a bliss but slowly turns into a realization of the ugly truth of drudgery and patriarchal exploitative undertones - of how religious yet dirty these family men can be.
Joe Baby through his tightly knit script does not miss a beat in every little detail of how insensitive men treat women - more in case their wives. Juxtaposed to the wife - the director has also shown other women - normalising the drudgery life with happiness and servility
Nimisha Sajayam has done a brilliant job in acting through all the hard-work and dirtiness of daily household work load. The best part is there is not a single thing told as being preachy or shown negatively to create our audience's sympathy for the wife.
Yet the sensitive audience will root for the wife. The best part of the movie is the ending which I won't reveal here to lukewarm it. It is dirty and good.
Frankly I have seen a really good movie after a very long time. Surely all men who are patriarchal and pretending to be goody-goody husbands and kind - would find it very difficult to sit through this movie. They might not even understand - what is going on.
It is also possible that many wives and women too would not be touched by the subject shown in the movie
This movie is a brutal truth as a tribute to the Indian wives married in an arranged marriage setup.
I can keep on adding praise - worthy for his movie. It is once in a decade that such movies are made that are not only educational but socially changing.
Brave, exceptional, powerful, must watch, classic - a hard slap on all the Indian mentality (which includes all family members who think women are here to do household chores)
I recommend this movie to every husband, wife, in-laws and family members as compulsory viewing; and have discussion around their own households and daily lives.
I would go with 8.25 out of 10 One of the highest rated movies of mine on IMDB (there are only 2 other rated so high by me)
Blunt, raw and beautiful.
alreadynirmalised15 January 2021
This is definitely not the first movie to address the themes of gender inequality, gender discrimination, or "the homemaker woman" in Malayalam. It has always been a favorite topic for makers of family movies. But what makes this movie different is that, here the theme is not diluted for sake of giving balanced message. This movie shouts the message it says. Loud and clear.
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It starts with the scene of an arranged marriage. From that moment, a beautiful mode of storytelling is set. The viewer witnesses visuals that happen everywhere in a traditional family and just by inviting attention to the places which needs attention, it is made clear what is wrong with it. It doesn't have the typical "suppressed woman" ingredients. The husband doesn't slap her. She is not shouted on. All that we see are the real raw things that happen typically, and still, the viewer will clearly understand what is wrong with all this.
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Regarding the experience of watching the movie, the sound effects and camera work is exceptionally worth noting. It shows us that the art of cinematography is not just about making eye candy visuals. It is almost the opposite. Visuals are presented raw to us.
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The actors comply very well with the standard set by the other aspects of the movie. Overall, it is definitely worth a watch and in my opinion, it is worth even forcefully showing someone if the situation demands.
Message on point, art at its best
visakhaka15 January 2021
Director has carefully crafted the context of each frame in the movie. A single frame of the movie reveals the time of the day, the setting, the context and situation. Actors delivering flawless performance in each setting. The dialogues, supporting sounds, expressions and frames work together to shout out the message of the movie. Its beautiful and equally thought provoking to see how an unwashed tea cup, a leaking sink and the waste water bucket have a lot to convey and easily takes space in the movie. Hats off to the team for delivering the attention and detailing required to pass the bigger message.
Deserves some more appreciation than commercial movies.
rahulpala-8872017 January 2021
First time a person see this movie the storyline is minimal, but it contains more messages. The shots and scenes are more intensive and effective, that helps to understand the problems of a middle class house wife who have been facing struggles and pressures after her marriage. In my opinion the men and women should start change their mindset for achieve the perfect gender equality in our society. After watching this movie, a boy is ready to wash his plate after finish his food, this movie will be a super hit than a 100 crore club movie.
DAILY ROUTINE OF EVERY HOUSEWIFE. MUST WATCH.
MandalBros-531 January 2021
The story is about an woman who is facing many problems after her marriage. These are the problems maximum women faces in our country. So, this is not only her story, it is the daily routine of every housewife.
WHY EVERYONE SHOULD WATCH THIS.
1. Every woman should watch this to understand not to convert their uncomfortability into Habit with time.
2. Every man should watch this to understand the situation his wife or his mother goes through everyday.
A Big Thanks To Writer & Director Jeo Baby For Making THE GREAT INDIAN KITCHEN.
A MUST WATCH FOR EVERYONE.
You Can Watch The Film on Neestream & Amazon Prime Video.
© MandalBros.
WHY EVERYONE SHOULD WATCH THIS.
1. Every woman should watch this to understand not to convert their uncomfortability into Habit with time.
2. Every man should watch this to understand the situation his wife or his mother goes through everyday.
A Big Thanks To Writer & Director Jeo Baby For Making THE GREAT INDIAN KITCHEN.
A MUST WATCH FOR EVERYONE.
You Can Watch The Film on Neestream & Amazon Prime Video.
© MandalBros.
Unapologetically true.....
abelkm15 January 2021
One of the best movies ever
visakhsankar16 January 2021
Movie is good but disappointed with portrayal of Ayyappa worshipping
kirthiraj14 June 2021
First devotees worshipping Ayyappa will be in strict rules and they live all these days as bachelor not even eat food made by woman. They will fast with one-time food usually done at worship place cooked by them together.
This was added just to support political agenda of letting ladies into Sabarimala Rating -1 for above ,apart from this misleading pointers.
***Movie was 👌 it showed woman struggling day in day out in male dominated society .This really happens till day in everyone family,things we taken for granted. Director showed all this kitchen struggle beautifully 😍 Casting was brilliantly acted. Showed woman are not just to please man's need and do household work. She can be independent and do what she likes .Dance at end was icing on cake superb choreography with idea of woman breaking shackles 👏👏
This was added just to support political agenda of letting ladies into Sabarimala Rating -1 for above ,apart from this misleading pointers.
***Movie was 👌 it showed woman struggling day in day out in male dominated society .This really happens till day in everyone family,things we taken for granted. Director showed all this kitchen struggle beautifully 😍 Casting was brilliantly acted. Showed woman are not just to please man's need and do household work. She can be independent and do what she likes .Dance at end was icing on cake superb choreography with idea of woman breaking shackles 👏👏
A must watch movie
aaarushi-2387416 January 2021
Very hard hitting movie
sahebabdullah23 May 2021
This movie hits you hard and makes you think deeply. Great use of silence with minimum use of dialogues. The casual sexism, the patriarchy, the misgony is shown boldly. All of us Men are guilty of a lot of things in our society and we should be ashamed.
Made the point, propaganda was not necessary.
samzbak13 January 2022
Good movie upto 75 mins, made the point which I agree to.
Shouldn't have added the extra anti hindu propaganda which was overkill and spoiled the actual message.
As a hindu i respect the message given but the ending scenes were just propaganda nothing else.
Shouldn't have added the extra anti hindu propaganda which was overkill and spoiled the actual message.
As a hindu i respect the message given but the ending scenes were just propaganda nothing else.
A dig on the " Gender roles"
drdent-2308516 January 2021
The Great Indian Kitchen is a take on the prevailing patriarchy. It makes the viewers realize the need to stop labelling certain activities of our lives as mere 'gender roles' and that sharing the responsibilities at homes can go a long way in having healthier, happier relationships.
Great craft
rajansreeshylam15 January 2021
CCTV to a typical indian family kitchen
abhijithgalaxy18 January 2021
Must.
mayurpanchamia941 February 2021
In less than 24 hours I had the privilege to watch Jeo Baby's last two movies. One being a less than average film with a title of 'Kilometers and Kilometers' and another a gem called 'The great Indian Kitchen'.
The second one is a gem not because of it's dialogues, cinematography, music or sceneic representation but rather despite of it, just because of it's story and subject.
At least 5 people I personally know had recommended me to watch this movie, from a Bengali to Malayalis. Finally got to watch it with a friend's subscription on Neestream. Totally worth the hype and it's high time we change the Patriarchal norms acoustamisd in our society to Equality in the real sense.
As a male and that too a newly married one, this movie was totally relatable not the torture parts but rather, I did feel guilty that women had/has to go such ordeals of hardships and exploitation. From childhood I have been told to pick my own things and get my own water but how many families do they teach such discipline?
Jeo Baby says Amazon and Netflix rejected his movie, Netflix should have choosen this over Kilometers and Kilometers.
Like Government exempts few movies from entertainment tax, such movies on OTT platform should also be made free or subsidized. As the Union budget today focused on PPP we should also have PPP model for brilliant and movies that are pivotal to the society. As someone said that "Rang de Basanti" was a Superhit but same applied in real life is not much appreciated for instance Farmer's Protest. Why so Hypocritical Society?? Why...
The saying goes discrimination begins from home, I would say discrimination starts from Kitchen.
Atleast Kerala had the guts to make and release this movie, in the Northern,Eastern and Western even few Southern belts of India I doubt that it would be released so easily, some or the other "Sena" would have objected, called out, and threatened to boycott or even chop off heads. Even if the problem is persisted in all parts but atleast few states have the courage to show up. The first step towards solving any problem is identification and acceptance of the problem. This isn't a gutsy or great cinema rather it's just reality portrayal in the simplistic way possible.
No music and no nonsense. Just the female protagonist Nimisha Sajayan her husband played by Suraj Venjaramood and her choppping, mopping, cleaning. Not all abuses are direct and evident like verbal or sexual, some are intrusion of private space and freedom, causing immense internal violence. This film touches the chords of many people because it's so realistic and relatable. Everyone has experienced some kind of such tragic moments.
The film also talks about the most important topic Oops sorry the taboo we Indians have. The obsession we have with Periods. Period. It's a natural biological thing why create so much fuss about it. I hope someday everything changes for good.
Submission is not the solution.
I love the way in the end, she drives her car but what I really really love is the subtle presence of Chekutty dolls, if you don't know what they are kindly Google it. Also as a Gujrati I feel proud that a Gujrati samaj school is shown in the end. Also a beautiful and brilliant dance performance in the end far better than Dance India Dance type's.
This movie should be shown to newly weds, college students and even school children.
A movie not just to be watched, but to be thought, discussed, debated, and evoluted and finally implemented.
The second one is a gem not because of it's dialogues, cinematography, music or sceneic representation but rather despite of it, just because of it's story and subject.
At least 5 people I personally know had recommended me to watch this movie, from a Bengali to Malayalis. Finally got to watch it with a friend's subscription on Neestream. Totally worth the hype and it's high time we change the Patriarchal norms acoustamisd in our society to Equality in the real sense.
As a male and that too a newly married one, this movie was totally relatable not the torture parts but rather, I did feel guilty that women had/has to go such ordeals of hardships and exploitation. From childhood I have been told to pick my own things and get my own water but how many families do they teach such discipline?
Jeo Baby says Amazon and Netflix rejected his movie, Netflix should have choosen this over Kilometers and Kilometers.
Like Government exempts few movies from entertainment tax, such movies on OTT platform should also be made free or subsidized. As the Union budget today focused on PPP we should also have PPP model for brilliant and movies that are pivotal to the society. As someone said that "Rang de Basanti" was a Superhit but same applied in real life is not much appreciated for instance Farmer's Protest. Why so Hypocritical Society?? Why...
The saying goes discrimination begins from home, I would say discrimination starts from Kitchen.
Atleast Kerala had the guts to make and release this movie, in the Northern,Eastern and Western even few Southern belts of India I doubt that it would be released so easily, some or the other "Sena" would have objected, called out, and threatened to boycott or even chop off heads. Even if the problem is persisted in all parts but atleast few states have the courage to show up. The first step towards solving any problem is identification and acceptance of the problem. This isn't a gutsy or great cinema rather it's just reality portrayal in the simplistic way possible.
No music and no nonsense. Just the female protagonist Nimisha Sajayan her husband played by Suraj Venjaramood and her choppping, mopping, cleaning. Not all abuses are direct and evident like verbal or sexual, some are intrusion of private space and freedom, causing immense internal violence. This film touches the chords of many people because it's so realistic and relatable. Everyone has experienced some kind of such tragic moments.
The film also talks about the most important topic Oops sorry the taboo we Indians have. The obsession we have with Periods. Period. It's a natural biological thing why create so much fuss about it. I hope someday everything changes for good.
Submission is not the solution.
I love the way in the end, she drives her car but what I really really love is the subtle presence of Chekutty dolls, if you don't know what they are kindly Google it. Also as a Gujrati I feel proud that a Gujrati samaj school is shown in the end. Also a beautiful and brilliant dance performance in the end far better than Dance India Dance type's.
This movie should be shown to newly weds, college students and even school children.
A movie not just to be watched, but to be thought, discussed, debated, and evoluted and finally implemented.
One of the Best movie in malayalam
senoritarose16 January 2021
A Slap for Patriarchy
ranikaith17 January 2021
2021 is starting amazing atleast concerning Malayalam cinema!
A hart hitting perfectly drafted story confronting the viewer with the harsh reality of many indian women in society. The theme revolves around cooking&the kitchen, in which most of the storyline is set in.
This movie reveals the deeply ingrained patriacharl mindset of todays men, who take their wifes work for granted and enslave them for the sake of tradition and convenience. It also deals with religion and its impact on womans role in society, questioning the practice of isolating women during their periods, because they are considered as ,, impure". Its also an important watch, because it brings up the right questions like amidst all this tiring work& cooking& attending mens' needs you are wondering if the woman will ever find time to go after her passion and fulfill her needs.
Its a must watch and really empowering for every woman!
The actors perfomances are excellent especially from the protagonist, the camera shoots/technique was carried out perfectly & reinforces the films message.
Went Out off Great Indian Kitchen, Due to Menopause of Directors approach at the End.
Rustogi-092599 June 2021
The movie is well made with Brilliant art and by capturing Kitchen Scenes with Messages, which were loud and clear, which still happens in day to day life in Indian families, but negative ending to viewers, But story goes off the Kitchen towards completely Anti-Hindu and impacting negative impact of Hindu worship Practices, which is not completely true, which could they have handled better by giving subtle messages. Instead they could have focused on how she overcomes the situation and convenience the family, to achieve her dreams, instead of running away, that would give better attitude of the Director.
Totally watch this movie!
TreeFiddy5317 January 2021
The movie is about patriarchy, is simple and subtle but at the same time, raw and blunt. It revolves around what happens in a traditional family in an avg. Indian household, not only in Kerala. Regular everyday story told in a way that you see in everyday life but at the same time, it's a story that needs to be told, sadly even now in 2021.
There's no in-your-face oppression/suppression, no domestic violence, no gender inequality/discrimination but the movie does a great job of saying how every day treatment of women in daily life is actually all of that. They go to show how elaborate Indian cooking is, just that women get used to doing all this on a daily basis and say "It's easy!" Sure, you've gotten used to it but it doesn't mean it's not a lot of work. We've all seen our mothers, relatives do all this work as kids, just never thought of how much effort goes behind putting food on the table.
This movie shows that being a "homemaker" is far from easy and often comes at the expense of the hopes and dreams of women. It shows how stupid and oblivious men can be and sometimes, how women are asked to adjust/suck it up by women who've been through the pains of such a life.
The movie's lead Nimisha Sajayan pretty much carries the entire movie on her shoulders, Suraj Venjaramoodu does a good job playing the bad guy. The movie has a lot of scenes in which there are no dialogues, just scenes of cooking inside the kitchen, which IMO were very important scenes. Just goes to show you don't need anything over-the-top, flashy "item" songs, a huge star cast to make a good movie.
Totally watch this movie! I am surprised that it's 2021 and we're still here, but at the same time, it's no surprising that we're still watching this story being told because this is what happens on a daily basis in the lives of several Indian woman.
There's no in-your-face oppression/suppression, no domestic violence, no gender inequality/discrimination but the movie does a great job of saying how every day treatment of women in daily life is actually all of that. They go to show how elaborate Indian cooking is, just that women get used to doing all this on a daily basis and say "It's easy!" Sure, you've gotten used to it but it doesn't mean it's not a lot of work. We've all seen our mothers, relatives do all this work as kids, just never thought of how much effort goes behind putting food on the table.
This movie shows that being a "homemaker" is far from easy and often comes at the expense of the hopes and dreams of women. It shows how stupid and oblivious men can be and sometimes, how women are asked to adjust/suck it up by women who've been through the pains of such a life.
The movie's lead Nimisha Sajayan pretty much carries the entire movie on her shoulders, Suraj Venjaramoodu does a good job playing the bad guy. The movie has a lot of scenes in which there are no dialogues, just scenes of cooking inside the kitchen, which IMO were very important scenes. Just goes to show you don't need anything over-the-top, flashy "item" songs, a huge star cast to make a good movie.
Totally watch this movie! I am surprised that it's 2021 and we're still here, but at the same time, it's no surprising that we're still watching this story being told because this is what happens on a daily basis in the lives of several Indian woman.
Disguised attempt at tarnishing Hinduism
venugopalbindu23 January 2021
I had great hopes for this movie considering it was promoted to be about the generic slavery of an Indian woman in the kitchen. BUT I was disgusted that this is less about the predicament of the woman in the kitchen and more about tarnishing the Hindu religion in its guise.
I challenge this director and everyone associated with the movie to make a movie detailing the atrocities of other religions in India - which everyone knows exists.
Good but not the best
vinodvarghese-0186120 January 2021
Reality shouts loud through this movie.
hannahjakes16 January 2021
No doubt, this movie is really special, because it touches the reality of life on all levels.
Here, it's not a submissive woman shown, but rather the small things that happen around us even now, that go unnoticed. This movie is a must watch for everyone no matter the age. It shows the elderly what they should have done, shows the youth what should be done and the coming generation a great understanding about their role in others' life as well as in the society.
overall this is a great film.
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