'B 32 Muthal 44 Vare', as ambiguous as the title sounds, is a straightforward movie that explores the female psyche and the physique, through the lives of five women and a transgender.
I use straightforward, quite literally since the movie does not shy away from exposing the vulnerabilities of women who have insecurities about their bodies. The rawness can strike you but that is the appealing aspect of the film directed by Shruthi Sharanyam. Interestingly, each character is described by their name and their breast size.
Malini, played by Remya Nambeesan, is struggling with her relationship with her husband Vivek (Harish Uthaman) as she is undergoing chemotherapy sessions. The fact that she has undergone a mastectomy has made the situation tougher.
In another part of the building, a Plus One student is pumping milk using breast pumps to feed a baby. What is interesting about all these women is they are strong, yet vulnerable, scared yet unrelenting. Like the small-breasted Eman who does not fit into the standard of beauty set by society and the corporate world. She is smart and empathetic but fails to get a promotion due to her 'physical insufficiencies'.
Despite all this, she is able to hold her head high, though she constantly struggles to come to terms with her breast size.
Anarkali Marikar essays the role of a queer person named Zarin effortlessly. She knows what is expected of her and delivers a convincing performance. Unlike most queers depicted in Mollywood films, Zarin is comfortable in her own space, style and mannerisms. That said, Zarin's character could have been explored a bit more in-depth, especially since issues pertaining to the transgender community have become part of our daily discourse.
Each women's tale is told separately in the beginning, but their lives intertwine later. However, in some places, the film tends to get overloaded with too many liberal concepts. This can make the film seem like one made for educational purposes.
However, despite this, the movie is bold and engaging, and Shruthi and her team should be applauded for their effort. The performances of all the lead actors, including Ashwathy B, Krishna Kurup, and Raina Radhakrishnan also drive the movie in the right direction.
The film is produced by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC).
