'Her': Aishwarya, Ramya, Urvashi, Lijomol, and Parvathy bring grace to this women-centred narrative | Movie Review

At a time when debates rage over the lack of women in Malayalam cinema, Lijin Jose's 'Her' brings together five powerhouses of South Indian cinema—Aishwarya Rajesh, Ramya Nambessan, Urvashi, Lijomol Jose, and Parvathy Thiruvothu—in a movie that dares to think outside the box. 'Her' is a story of empowerment and a nuanced exploration of love, relationships, complexity, and sexual liberty, all delicately packaged.
Though not strictly an anthology, each woman in 'Her' embarks on a unique journey. Yet their paths intersect, underscoring how women, despite their diverse circumstances, often share similar lived experiences. Beyond its stellar performances, the film's true strength lies in its fresh perspectives. The women in 'Her' are unapologetic about their choices, defying societal expectations and asserting their individuality.

The first segment, which features Aishwarya Rajesh, cleverly uses the symbolism of ants—a motif frequently explored in films and literature—to reflect the subtle, persistent struggles women face daily. Aishwarya, known for her role in 'Jomonte Suvisheshangal', plays an unmarried woman on her way to a PSC interview, grappling with an unnamed anxiety throughout her journey. The autorickshaw driver, portrayed by 'Minnal Murali' star Guru Somasundaram, is an effective narrative device as he only adds to the anxiety.
Ramya Nambessan, last seen in Anjali Menon's 'Wonder Women' and Sanfeer K.'s 'Peace', takes on the role of Reshmi, a film producer who is loud, unapologetic, and refreshingly candid. She leads a curated, artificial life on social media, but off-screen, she remains brutally honest, even at the risk of being misunderstood. Known for embracing unconventional roles, Ramya delivers Reshmi's eccentricities with authenticity and flair.

The film marks Parvathy and Urvashi's second collaboration after the critically acclaimed 'Ullozhukku', but fans expecting significant interplay between their characters might be disappointed. Their paths do not converge in 'Her'. Instead, Urvashi pairs with the late Prathap Pothen, whose voice has been skillfully dubbed by mimicry artist Mahesh Kunjumon. Urvashi and Prathap Pothen portray an elderly couple who find comfort in their routines, only for their family dynamics to unravel when the husband becomes infatuated with 'Alexa.' Their story, grounded in contemporary realities, is emotionally resonant, though its ending might feel slightly unconvincing.
Lijomol Jose, renowned for powerful performances in films like 'Jai Bhim', portrays a working professional navigating bold personal choices as she and her boyfriend prepare to marry. Screenwriter Archana Vasudev pushes boundaries in this segment, exploring themes like sexual compatibility. Parvathy, who consistently delivers remarkable performances, once again impresses in her role, showcasing her ability to experiment while maintaining depth.Each character arc in 'Her' is distinct, yet together, they form a compelling narrative mosaic. The film reaffirms that when women write about women, they unlock new worlds and perspectives that often remain unexplored in mainstream cinema.