The movie Njan Marykutty (I am Marykutty) tells the heart touching story of Mathukutty’s transformation into Marykutty, a transgender woman navigating self-discovery amidst societal prejudice in Kerala, India. Lead star Jayasurya’s sensitive performance breathes life into Marykutty’s struggles against gender stereotypes, harassment, and discrimination. Witnessing her journey, the audience grapples with empathy and understanding, learning valuable lessons about self-acceptance, resilience, and fighting for one’s dreams.
Released in 2019, Njan Marykutty is a poignant Malayalam film directed by Ranjith Sankar, who drew inspiration from real-life experiences of transgender individuals in Kerala. Jayasurya delivers a powerful performance as Marykutty, a transgender woman navigating societal prejudice and pursuing her dreams. Supporting roles by Joju George and Innocent, along with a talented ensemble cast, bring depth and nuance to the narrative.
The film’s success can be attributed to its sensitive portrayal of the transgender community, its exploration of themes like self-acceptance and resilience, and its captivating performances. The movie was recently telecasted on a local television channel.
As we discuss the movie and the sensitive topics it tackles, it is important to note that the article includes spoilers.
From trapped to transformed
From childhood, Mathukutty feels trapped in a male body, drawn to feminine traits. Facing constant disapproval and societal misfits, he pursues his true identity. After undergoing gender transition surgery, Marykutty emerges, ready to face the world anew.
Returning to her village, Marykutty encounters alienation and rejection from her family and community. Suspicion, ostracisation, and even violence paint a harsh picture of societal resistance. Yet, amidst the hardships, Marykutty finds allies in Jovi, a friend, and Father Alwin, a supportive priest. Fuelled by unwavering determination, she sets her sights on becoming a police officer, defying societal expectations.
Marykutty’s path is riddled with challenges. Facing prejudice and scepticism at a coaching institute, she perseveres, her spirit unbroken. To support herself, she finds a voice as a radio jockey at a church-run FM station. Her voice resonates with the community, earning respect and challenging preconceptions. Within the police force itself, she encounters discrimination and false accusations, yet her determination to fight for her rightful place shines through.
Acceptance and empowerment
Njan Marykutty tackles the sensitive topic of transgender identity, shedding light on the struggles faced by the community in a largely conservative society. The film champions self-acceptance, resilience and the fight for one’s rights. Marykutty’s journey becomes a beacon of hope and empowerment, advocating for understanding and acceptance of transgender individuals.
The film’s title, Njan Marykutty, resonates with Marykutty’s unwavering conviction in her identity. Two particularly powerful scenes explore deeper themes of societal biases and individual strength.
Breaking the vicious cycle
When Marykutty’s initial attempts to address exam disqualification as Marykutty are met with dismissal, the system appears locked in a cycle of discrimination. By leveraging her “Radio Jockey” persona, she bypasses this negativity. The Collector grants her an audience based on her professional merit, opening space for genuine dialogue beyond her gender identity. This encounter highlights the transformative power of a positive attitude and open-mindedness to disrupt entrenched discriminatory patterns, even within complex social systems.
Gaining access to the Collector through her professional role subtly addresses another message. Marykutty achieves her goal not through special privileges for being transgender, but through showcasing her abilities and professional standing. This emphasises the importance of equal opportunity and access to basic rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. It argues against unfair advantages or disadvantages based solely on identity labels, advocating for a system where everyone is judged by their actions and contributions, not their background or perceived differences.
A Bindi on Buddha?
Another powerful scene, Marykutty’s gaze upon the flickering Buddha statue and her symbolic act of placing her bindi on its forehead, can be interpreted in multiple ways. It can be seen as questioning societal barriers imposed upon women or transgender individuals. Does enlightenment depend on one’s birth gender? Would societal prejudices have hindered Buddha’s journey had they been born differently? This raises a powerful critique of discrimination based on any identity marker, highlighting the potential obstacles individuals face due to societal biases.
However, the interpretation can extend beyond gender. The flickering light and Marykutty’s gesture could represent a broader questioning of limitations imposed by any societal construct, be it gender, class, or any other form of categorisation. The scene could be seen as a call for exceeding such limitations and seeking self-actualisation regardless of external labels or societal expectations.
Understanding and change
The movie Njan Marykutty offers a thought-provoking experience, inviting us to confront societal biases and empathise with marginalised communities. It highlights the struggles faced by transgender individuals, such as misgendering, exclusions, and violence. Sri Lanka could learn from the movie and dismantle discriminatory policies and structures that obstruct the progress and wellbeing of transgender individuals within its borders.
The movie’s celebration of Marykutty’s determination in pursuing her dream echoes the resilience of the transgender community. This resilience could serve as an inspiration for Sri Lanka to empower transgender individuals and ensure equitable access to education, employment, and resources.
Also, the movie encourages reflection by questioning traditional gender norms, critically reflecting on our societal constructs around gender and creating a more inclusive society that transcends limitations imposed by gender identity.
The universal themes encapsulated in Njan Marykutty offer us a roadmap towards empathy, acceptance, and inclusivity. Embracing these lessons can encourage meaningful strides towards a just and equitable society, one that embraces and uplifts all its citizens, including the transgender community.
(The writer is a mental health professional and has, over the past 11 years, contributed to several Sri Lankan media publications in both English and Sinhala languages, focusing on topics related to psychology and counselling)