Sacrilegious sisters: the sanctification of nunhood in Malayalam cinema
Faculty Advisor
Date
2024
Keywords
nuns in popular culture, cultural, feminism, Malayalam cinema
Abstract (summary)
This chapter delves into the unique portrayal of nunhood in the context of Malayalam cinema, highlighting differences from Western perceptions rooted in Christianity. It contends that the way Malayalees perceive nuns is deeply influenced by cultural norms that promote the subjugation of women through narratives centered on male authority. The concept of nunhood emphasizes chastity, austerity, and devotion– moral elements that reflect the dynamics of male-female relationships in Indian society. By analyzing films that depict nuns conforming to submissive gender roles, this study critically examines how nuns who challenge societal norms and gender stereotypes in response to exploitation create a new discourse of “nunsploitation” in the Indian public sphere. The representation of reformed spiritual femininity on-screen mirrors the real-life transformation of nuns into “new nuns,” who are more aware of their sexuality and are willing to question institutional misogyny within both religion and culture.
Publication Information
Raj, S. J., & Suresh, A. K. (2024). Sacrilegious sisters: the sanctification of nunhood in Malayalam cinema. In M. K. Harmes & M. A. Harmes (Eds.), Nuns in popular cultures: Critical essays (pp. 167-179). McFarland & Company.
DOI
Notes
Item Type
Book Chapter
Language
Rights
All Rights Reserved