A Thought-Provoking Take on Gender, Power, and Perception
Director: Joshua Sethuraman
Cast: Lijomol Jose, Losliya Mariyanesan, Hari Krishnan
Genre: Thriller, Drama
Runtime: 113 minutes
Introduction: Challenging Perceptions, One Frame at a Time
From the moment Gentlewoman begins, it is clear that the film is not just a conventional thriller but a deeply layered commentary on gender roles, power dynamics, and societal expectations. Joshua Sethuraman, in his directorial debut, crafts a nuanced narrative that questions what it truly means to be “gentle”—a term often used to define women while being an expectation rather than a choice.
The film’s premise revolves around Poorni (Lijomol Jose), a woman who seems to have a perfect marriage with Aravind (Hari Krishnan) until an unsettling truth shatters her perception of him. As he mysteriously disappears, another woman, Anna (Losliya), steps into the picture in search of him. What follows is an exploration of the unspoken ways in which men exert control and women downplay their own potential.
A Story of Subversion: The Gentlewoman Who Isn’t Gentle
The title itself plays with irony—what happens when a woman refuses to fit into the ‘gentle’ mold expected of her? Gentlewoman places Poorni at the center of this dilemma. She is both traditional and unconventional, strong yet seemingly compliant, making her character deeply compelling.
Early in the film, we see how societal conditioning has led women to underplay their strengths. Poorni, for example, fixes a flickering bulb with ease among a group of women, yet remains patient when her husband fails to do something as basic as recharging her phone. The film cleverly contrasts this with Aravind’s behavior—while he seems incapable of handling household chores, he effortlessly makes coffee for another woman. This unspoken hypocrisy is one of the many understated moments where Gentlewoman forces the audience to reflect on gender expectations.
Moreover, the film does not merely pit men against women; it also critiques how women, knowingly or unknowingly, contribute to each other’s struggles. Aravind’s mother, aware of his betrayal, chooses to remain silent, emphasizing how internalized patriarchy often suppresses women further. However, in a powerful counterpoint, the film also highlights the importance of female solidarity—a theme that strengthens in the second half.
A Slow-Burning Thriller That Challenges Morality
While Gentlewoman is primarily a thriller, its pacing leans toward a slow burn. The first half is dedicated to carefully setting up its conflict, while the second half finds its rhythm with gripping revelations and moments of dark humor. A senior police officer, for instance, brings a unique contrast to the usual on-screen cops, providing unexpected moments of satire while also serving as a lens into how people judge others based on appearances.
As the film progresses, it delves into ethical ambiguity. Poorni’s actions, while justified in context, blur the lines between right and wrong. At times, we even question her seemingly unshaken composure—can someone truly remain so calm in such dire circumstances? The film leaves this question open-ended, pushing the audience into the same moral dilemmas as its characters.
Performances: The Heart and Soul of the Film
Lijomol Jose as Poorni – A revelation. Her subtle yet commanding presence drives the film’s intensity. The way she balances quiet rage with calculated actions makes her portrayal unforgettable.
Losliya Mariyanesan as Anna – Delivers an understated yet effective performance, proving she deserves more roles with depth.
Hari Krishnan as Aravind – Effortlessly embodies the everyday man whose flaws are normalized, making his character frustratingly real.
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its casting. Each actor is perfectly suited for their role, ensuring that the emotional weight of the story lands effectively.
Cinematography and Technical Brilliance
Joshua Sethuraman experiments with interesting visual storytelling choices. The film’s warm lighting creates an atmosphere of quiet tension, mirroring the emotional turmoil within Poorni. Some shots stand out—like a scene where an entire conversation is reflected on a television screen or another where a phone call is framed through the intricate veins of a skeletonized leaf. These subtle yet symbolic details add to the film’s immersive experience.
However, while these choices enhance the mood, their impact varies in effectiveness. Some moments feel overly stylized, momentarily pulling us away from the core narrative. Nonetheless, the film’s technical finesse complements its strong screenplay, making it a visually engaging experience.
Verdict: A Bold and Unapologetic Statement
Gentlewoman is not just a film—it is a mirror held up to society. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about gender dynamics, relationships, and the silent burdens women carry. While it isn’t without flaws—pacing issues and some narrative justifications that may feel debatable—it undeniably sparks conversation.
Ultimately, the film leaves us with one crucial message: being gentle is a choice, not a mandate. And in a world that still expects women to be gentle while excusing men, Gentlewoman is a necessary rebellion.
⭐ Verdict: A gripping gender-based thriller that forces introspection. Bold, unsettling, and necessary.
