Thudarum 2 review: The patriarchal marriage story starring Swasika gains viewer’s attention

On the background of the increase of domestic violence after COVID-19 that made the women struggle to stay in their houses, the short film seems to be a small portrayal on what exactly is happening inside,

THUDARUM 2

‘Thudarum 2, Bhayam’, a sequel to 2020 short film ‘Thudarum’ is a subtle representation of women suppressed under domestic violence and gender roles. Under Bilahari’s direction, the short film casts Swasika and Ram Mohan as protagonists. While the first part discussed the role of husband and wife in a patriarchal marriage, the genre of the sequel appears to be horror-comedy, where the same theme is reinforced.

The 17-minute sequel continues to narrate the story of Vidya’s (Swasika) and Prasad’s (Ram Mohan) marriage, where her role is confined within the four walls of the kitchen. Prasad seems to be dominating in every aspect, and is subtly said to be harassing her for dowry. Vidya chooses to stay in her difficult marriage, even though she is aware about the injustice she is subjected to. The lockdown and quarantine have made it worse for Vidya to deal with her husband who is at home the whole day.

The plot develops through a mythical horror story in their new house where they stay for quarantine, and how Vidya masquerades the same myth to protest against her suppression. Gradually, like the first part of the short film, Vidya is shown to be taking control over her bullying husband. Through the comedy sequences, the director has put forward an argument about how a woman struggles to live her own way of life under a domineering husband. On the background of the increase of domestic violence after COVID-19 that made the women struggle to stay in their houses, the short film seems to be a small portrayal on what exactly is happening inside.

The performance of Swasika is to be appreciated and also Ram Mohan has put an equal effort to match her energy. Screenplay is done by Shyam Narayanan and Bilahari and the Cinematography is handled by Abdul Rahim. Deepthi Ram and Vinoj Vadakkan are the producers of the short film.  

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