Rediscovering the Dalit: A Subaltern Reading of Kammattipadam

Exploring Authenticity and Humanism in Kammattipadam

by Christina Romeo*,

- Published in Journal of Advances and Scholarly Researches in Allied Education, E-ISSN: 2230-7540

Volume 13, Issue No. 2, Jul 2017, Pages 617 - 619 (3)

Published by: Ignited Minds Journals


ABSTRACT

Films have always been the cultural space where stereotypes are continued. Though Malayalam cinema has managed to establish its name through new themes and characters, it also continues to perpetuate the caste based marginalization and victimization. The people of the fringes become mere sidekicks or extras who have no role in both the film as well as in the society. Among them Kammattipadam stands out due to its authentic portrayal of characters and its solid premise. More than glorification, what one sees in the movie is a more realistic as well as humanistic portrayal of the Dalit.

KEYWORD

Dalit, Subaltern Reading, Kammattipadam, Malayalam cinema, caste-based marginalization