This research article examines the portrayal of women in patriarchal society in contemporary Malayalam cinema. Malayalam cinema has been stained by the weird Indian tradition of women being beneath men. Strong women characters are only visible in female-centered films.

Two films such as Jaya JayaJayaJaya Hey and The Great Indian Kitchen are under study. The methodology involves a qualitative approach using content analysis and analyses of the portrayal of women in patriarchal society in contemporary Malayalam movies.  Through this, the influence of feminism and the responsibility of personals behind cinema in reshaping the picture of women is also studied. This study integrates Laura Mulvey’s feminist film theory to analyze how the Malayalam industry has changed the portrayal of women in contemporary cinemas over time. These films have a remarkable role in portraying women as more than just a damsel in distress. Strong female characters and the environment which led to their evolution is clearly depicted.

Nada AP is an undergraduate student in the Department of Psychology at Alphonsa College. Her academic interests include mental health, behavioural studies, and emerging perspectives in psychological research. She is actively engaged in academic writing and student research initiatives, with a focus on applying theoretical concepts to contemporary social issues. She has participated in seminars and academic activities that foster critical thinking and research skills. Her work reflects a growing interest in interdisciplinary approaches within psychology.

Anuvinda MK is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Alphonse College, Thiruvambady. She has presented research papers in academic forums and has guided students in their academic and research activities. Her areas of interest include psychology and related applied domains.

Antony, Ms. (2023).Breaking The Stereotypes :A Study on the Malayalam Movie Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey .Vidhyana 9.7782.10.58213/ vidhyana. v9isi1.1583.

Bandura, A. (1997). Social Learning Theory. Prentice Hall.

Praveen, S.R.(2021,November,11)JayaJayaJayaJaya Hey movie review .The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/jaya-jaya-jaya-jaya-hey-movie-review-malayalam-darshana-rajendrans-movie-is-over-the-top-for-right-reasons/article66066166.ece

Pudipeddi,A. (2021, January, 16) The Great Indian Kitchen movie review. Hindustan times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/the-great-indian-kitchen-review-powerful-film-on-patriarchy-101610792874537.html

Thomas, S. (2024, December 18) Gendered Expectations: A Content Analysis on Gender Role Conditioning in Jaya JayaJayaJaya Hey. Kristu Jayanthi University Journals. https://doi.org/10.59176/kjhss.v4i0.2415