Echoes Through Time: Kadhalika Neramillai and Mona Lisa Smile's Timeless Message

This week I watched two Marvels on Netflix. One is a story about a modern woman in South India. Another is a classic Julia Roberts starrer that talks about the lives of women in the 50s in New England, USA. The reason I decided to write about these movies is because both talk about the same issue - The struggle for women's empowerment and freedom. Unfortunately, this continues to be a timeless and universal concept that has transcended cultures and generations.

It's surreal how two films, separated by decades, languages, cultures, values, and races yet united in their message present a compelling commentary on the ongoing struggles faced by women for their liberation. Kadhalika Neramillai, a Tamil film released earlier this year (January 2025), and Mona Lisa Smile, a Hollywood film from 2003, are vastly different stories that provide a wholesome and entertaining cinematic experience. However, as a woman, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the two films.

These two movies planted or stirred in my brain topics like where exactly are we on women's autonomy and freedom, and how liberated a woman today feels in pursuing her dreams. In this article, I hope to explore how these two films touch the ongoing debates on women's empowerment.

Shattering Societal Norms - Kaadhalikka Neramillai's Powerful Narrative

In Kaadhalikka Neramillai, the protagonist Shreya is an independent, career-oriented, smart, outgoing woman with parents who value her thoughts and give her the freedom to decide her future. Although they want her to conform to societal norms, her father is particularly easygoing and respectful of her decisions.

Shreya falls in love and plans to marry, but her world is shattered when she discovers her fiancé's infidelity with her best friend on the same day of their registered marriage. This heartbreak leads her to lose trust in marriage and men, causing her to abandon the idea of commitment altogether. However, she still desires motherhood and chooses the unconventional route of IVF treatment using a sperm donor.

Interestingly, the sperm donor's identity remains unknown to the lead characters until the end of the film, adding an intriguing layer to the plot. The male lead, on the other hand, is hesitant to enter marriage due to environmental concerns. I resonated with this character because there was a time I contemplated a second pregnancy because of my worry about the impact of population growth on the planet. Anyway, that’s a different topic for another time!

As I reflected on this film, I couldn’t help but be awe-struck by the lead character – Shreya. She is strong-willed and determined, an architect by profession, and a brave, bold woman, full of life. She meets the lead male actor – Siddharth by chance at a bar in Bangalore. Upon interacting, they feel an instant attraction but he later lets her know casually about how he has no interest in marriage or children. This is a red flag for Shreya and so she leaves him abruptly, leaving him clueless as to what he did wrong.

Now Shreya's decision to raise her child as a single mother regardless of the societal pressures made this film such a liberating watch for me. The film portrays her as financially independent and she also has a supportive relative to help her raise her child, providing her child with a loving and stable home.

Now, let's get back to the story – Shreya and Siddharth coincidentally met seven years later. Shreya now has a 7-year-old son and the lead actor and actress get a chance to rekindle and work on their friendship once again. On a personal note, their chemistry was just off the charts. The lead actors shared such a palpable vibe which was so beautiful to watch. This time the actors build a stronger foundation for their relationship.

The audience is aware of the connection between the two (Sperm donor-recipient relationship), but the characters themselves are not. This narrative twist was one of the highlights of the film and it actually added very subtle but magical touches to the film. We the audience keep feeling fascinated by how fate and coincidence bring together these two very modern individuals with such different mindsets.

I couldn’t help resonating with Shreya’s values of independence and self-sufficiency. She was a breath of fresh air and an inspiration to women. Her character is a powerful reminder of how women have the agency to make choices about their living situations, careers, bodies, and families.

Again, jumping back to the story, Siddharth, who had previously expressed his disdain for marriage and children, discovers a new side of himself. The chance to reconnect with Shreya and her son over football gives him a chance to understand what life would be like if he had a family of his own. He realizes that being a father figure can actually be a rewarding experience. Shreya, witnessing Siddharth's transformation, begins to fall in love with him again.

The film concludes on a beautiful note, with Shreya and Siddharth deciding to live together as life partners. However, they choose not to get married. The film conveys that the lead characters are rejecting the traditional institution of marriage but are opting for a more unconventional arrangement. They will share their lives, happiness, and sorrows without conforming to societal expectations. Now, Isn’t that a viable living situation for all?

I forgot to talk about the film's most audacious stroke: Gay marriages. Kaadhalikka Neramillai felt to me like an ode to love in all its kaleidoscopic forms, especially unconventional family arrangements. Director Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi left no stone unturned in this cinematic celebration of human emotions. The film declares that love is all that truly matters, giving us a world where every heart can beat freely, without fear of judgment or rejection. A.R. Rahman’s music was an inevitable part of the film, which so beautifully complemented the director's modern vision.

The film itself raises important questions about the nature of relationships and the role of marriage in Indian society. Now, the film’s climax may be right for some. Atrocious for many. But for me, this unconventional arrangement felt like an empowering idea. Not just because it challenges traditional norms but because it offers a more inclusive and accepting version of love. Isn’t all fair in love and war after all?

These unconventional arrangements are more accepted in Western societies but India still has a long way to go. The film itself had a mixed reception, with some critics and audiences praising its boldness while a few others condemning its perceived immorality.

Despite the controversy, Kaadhalikka Neramillai is a film that will stay with me for a long time. Kaadhalikka Neramillai is more than just a film – it's a celebration of women's empowerment, independence, and the freedom to choose one's own path in life.

In an age where everything is dynamic and uncertain, love remains the one constant that anchors us. Why not cherish this beautiful, glorious, maddening emotion? Why not allow it to be the one last thing that sets humanity free?

Also, women can thrive and find happiness on their own terms, without conforming to societal expectations. Kudos to the director for creating this thought-provoking film.

Mona Lisa Smile: A Classic Tale of Female Empowerment

I recently had the opportunity to watch Mona Lisa Smile, a film that not only captured my attention but also provided a glimpse into the struggles faced by women in the 1950s. Set against the backdrop of Wellesley College, the film delves into the lives of young women raised to serve as the epitome of support and love for their husbands

The societal norms of the 1950s dictated that women who failed to marry young and have children shortly after were stigmatized. Women's careers held little value, and they were primarily raised to play the role of subservient wives. Societal pressure mounted on them to be perfect homemakers, regardless of their husbands' shortcomings.

Julia Roberts plays the character of an art history professor who challenges this status quo. She takes up a new post at Wellesley College, fostering her students to think beyond the societal confines set for women. As expected, not everyone is receptive to her message, and a large chunk of her students exhibit resistance to her modern ideologies.

Despite the obstacles, the professor manages to inspire change and survives an entire year. The film concludes on a positive note, showcasing the evident transformation in the female students. They now envision a different future, pursuing careers, forging their paths, breaking societal barriers, and living life on their own terms.

This film offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of women in the 1950s. Watching the movie, I was in awe of these women, who paved the way for future generations. The movie serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of female empowerment.

However, it is disheartening to note that, even today, women continue to fight for equal rights. Far from New England, in the remotest parts of the world, women still face the same struggles.

So, I am compelled to ask: has society changed for the better? That is for each of us to observe and conclude. What I find unfair is that women have been fighting for the same issue – equal rights – for 70 years (1950s to 2025). When will women be able to pursue their dreams and add value to their lives without facing obstacles? True liberation remains an elusive dawn. This author like billions of other women awaits that dawn.

Disclaimer - Edited using AI tools. All ideas and opinions are my own.