The Women of Rifle Club

Over the decades, Malayalam cinema has often used female characters to uphold male protagonists, reinforcing the power dynamics in favor of men. This pattern, normalized and celebrated as long as the hero “wins” the situation, has shaped narratives for years. However, in recent times, audiences have begun to unlearn this ingrained bias, recognizing it as something that needs to be critiqued rather than celebrated.

Aashiq Abu’s Rifle Club breaks away from this mold, igniting the fiery tension of a wild war in the Western Ghats. What sets this film apart is its portrayal of women— each female character is uniquely strong and layered, claiming her identity with confidence. From being mocked for being “just a woman” to owning the scene, characterisations of women in Malayalam cinema are beginning to emerge as unstoppable forces.

Society often perpetuates the stereotype that women, being emotional, are inherently weaker or less stable in grave situations. Instead, the movie shows that women, like any other gender, are fully capable of navigating complex emotions—love, lust, hatred, rage, disgust— while making decisive and impactful choices.

Every female character in Rifle Club possesses agency, and their self-worth is not only acknowledged but celebrated by those around them. Remarkably, the male characters within the household are neither threatened by their power nor dismissive of their abilities. Instead, they create space for these women to shine, supporting them in asserting their strength and proving their mettle to outsiders. This dynamic, presented without diminishing other genders, feels revolutionary and refreshing on screen.

Watching these women, clad in sarees and dresses, tie their hair back, wield powerful rifles, and deliver sharp, cutting one-liners without batting an eye is truly exhilarating. Their presence is commanding, leaving even the antagonists visibly insecure.The comeback of Vani Viswanathan and Ponnamma Babu is unforgettable, making one wonder why they hadn’t been cast in such fierce, ideal roles before. Too often, these actresses were relegated to roles mocked for their upper hand over the hero or reduced to housewives dismissed for their ambitions.

While Rifle Club is undoubtedly a step forward in gender representation, it also highlights how much further Malayalam cinema must go. True progress will come when more narratives empower women authentically, moving beyond tokenism, to ensure their roles are meaningful and multidimensional, without sidelining them or limiting their depth.

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