“Is God a man or a woman”?
This frequently asked question is widely discussed and debated. Stereotypes aside, are there really any difference between boys and girls?
Our society is predominantly patriarchal but the situation has changed significantly over the past decades. All thanks to the spread of several kinds of campaigns for women empowerment. And the same was more or less seen in many Malayalam movies.
One such movie is 2 Penkuttikal directed by Jeo Baby. 2 Penkuttikal is about two girls played by Anna Fathima as Achu and Shyam Bhavi as Anagha. Though both of them hail from extremely different backgrounds, they like to stick together sharing and caring for each other. While Achu's mother takes care of her by teaching her about how courteous, coy, pleasant, well dressed and well-mannered girls should be; Anagha's mom teaches her to be independent, choosy and decisive in life.
The buddies Achu and Anagha, one day, decide to bunk class and venture out to enjoy their freedom. But that particular day changes their life, leading them to part ways. What happens after that makes for the plot of the movie.
The movie, which has already been selected into many international film fests like Busan International Kids and Youth Film Festival, South Korea; Universal Kids Film Festival, Turkey and Buff International film festival, Sweden, has garnered applauds for its socially relevant subject.
With his first feature film, director Jeo Baby has chosen a theme people rarely take up. Just like his short films Secret Minds and Chimera, 2 Penkuttikal too aims at providing a social message.
Anna, who had received the 2014 Kerala State Award for the Best Child Actress proves her mettle as a child artist in the movie. Shyam Bhavi is a natural actress and plays her part well. Both lead stars have managed to impress the audience.
Even with just cameo roles, Tovino, Amala Paul and Anju Kurian make their presence felt.
While cinematography by Adwaith Shine is commendable, music by Mathews Pulickan is something to look forward to. Apart from the promo video song by Leah Anne Philip that has already become a hit, 'Aakasha Neelima', sung by Mredhul Sethukumar is soothing and syncs well with the feel of the movie.
A narrative with a social message, 2 Penkuttikal is not a mere female-centric movie, but one that upholds humanity.
The goodness, reflected through the leading characters in the movie, is something people can take home with them.
As it's rightly said, men are from Mars and women are from Venus, but we ought to be ourselves. After all, each of us learn from the inspiration and support gained from the other one, however different from us.
Rating: 3/5