In the Translation's Tower of Babel

 I know it's a delayed post, but I wanted to share this article of mine, published in the magazine of the Kerala Government, on the special occasion of Kerala Piravi Day. When Chingam approaches one more time, I miss the bygone days and warmth of the relationships forged through the paths of translation.  The magazine was released by the Chief Minister of Kerala on Kerala Piravi Day. It was indeed an honour to have my article in the magazine. Above all, the pleasure of writing and getting published in my mother tongue. 

Thanks a lot for the sincere friendship that has strengthened over these months with such a humble soul all the way from Germany. Living in a world surrounded by umpteen fake emotions, statuses, and fake online affection, there exist some kind and genuine human beings who love us for what we are and who value us for our worth. Thanks a ton, our dearest Annakutty Chechy, for the warmth, affection, and concern for us. Above all, for the touching gifts that crossed the German shores and reached God's Own Country. Countdown for our real story begins......

PS: I felt like posting this before its first birthday😄

Queering the Routes in "Sancharram"

 

The term LGBTQ has gained significant importance in the academic parlance, too. The glimpse of lesbian life and the transgressive desires of women on screen through the Malayalam films often questions the moral and societal frame. “Sancharram” (“The Journey” 2004) tells the tale of a lesbian   relationship that ignited between two female teenagers who have known each other since their childhood days. The story unfurls the life of Kiran and Delilah, who decide to break the shackles of religion, sex, and gender for the sake of their love for each other. Although homosexuality is perceived as an aberration in society, the film boldly addresses same sex love, and how grounded sexuality is in the daily ways of life.

The film, directed by the Indo-American director, Ligi J. Pullapally, is a path-breaking film focusing on the travails and traumas of love-making that is forbidden or ‘abnormal’ in a heterosexual society. Albeit the movie revolves around the motif of lesbian love making, it hints at issues like gender, body, sexuality, male hegemony, matriarchal legacy, religion, etc., existing in the socio-cultural fabric of Kerala. They are neighbours, childhood friends, classmates, and their affection slowly and steadily takes the form of a romantic and sexual bonding.

The two childhood friends, Delilah and Kiran, are attracted to each other. Delilah is lively and mischievous, whereas Kiran is a potential poet with a quiet temperament. Kiran returns to Kerala with her parents to live in her ancestral home, and Delilah is shown as her neighbour, who is a visible presence in Kiran’s daily life. Their affection gradually takes the form of love, although Delilah does not accept it at the onset. Though Kiran loves Delilah deeply, she is hesitant and scared of expressing her feelings. 

To read my full article, check

 https://www.highonfilms.com/sancharram-the-journey-2004/