No woman fights the same battle, but their struggles, big or small, deserve a deeper understanding. Sanil Kalathil's 'Soul Stories,' currently streaming on Manorama Max, attempts to do just that. The anthology series is divided into five short stories, each exploring the female psyche and body sensitively and sensibly, though not always smoothly or organically.
'Kiss of Kochi'
Anarkali Marikar plays Vaishnavi, a young IT professional, in this segment that deals with consent. Traumatised by an incident at a pub, how she reacts to it forms the crux of the story. Consent is complicated, and Sanil explores the different layers of a woman's mind in a dicey situation reminiscent of the 2020 hit film 'Thappad'. In fact, 'Kiss of Kochi' offers a unique view of consent that is both straightforward and thought-provoking.
'Rani'
In 'Rani,' Suhasini Maniratnam portrays a trained classical dancer who attempts to follow her passion while fulfilling her familial duties. Should such expectations bind women—young and old—or are they justified in choosing to do something that makes them happier? Suhasini is a delight to watch in this segment, though the storyline could have benefited from a deeper exploration of the protagonist's past and other life choices. Suhasini also dubbed her voice for the segment, which was her first time in Malayalam.
'Simhathinte Madiyil'
Parents with teenage kids will find this segment relatable, as it deals with adolescent challenges and the need for adult guidance during unsettling moments. 'Simhathinte Madiyil' also attempts to dispel taboos regarding psychological help for victims. The storyline is intriguing, though a better conclusion could have made it the standout segment.
'Neeril Veezhum Pookkal'
This segment is easily the most daring in the anthology. 'Neeril Veezhum Pookkal' follows the life of a caretaker in an unfulfilling marriage. The filmmaker boldly explores a same-sex relationship, although he does not venture out of the conventional narrative box. The lead actors' performances, especially Dayyana Hameed, who plays the protagonist, are exceptional in this 40-minute segment.
'Brarthamanam'
While the other segments delve into the female psyche, 'Brarthamanam,' the fifth in the series, focuses on the woman's body and the societal pressure to be conscious of her choices. The segment loosely touches upon female bust size, vividly discussed in Sruthi Sharanyam's 'B 32 Muthal 44 Vare'. This story, however, is set within a family context, showing how a mother and daughter deal with the prying eyes of a nosy neighbour. The storyline is interesting, though it feels forced when the women discuss their struggles.
