The Hunter and the Hunted: Problematizing Dalit Representation in the Movie Nayattu

Abstract

A critical analysis of the history of Malayalam cinema would show the intensity of casteism and upper caste hegemony inherent in its structure from its inception. Little efforts had been made by filmmakers to alter the traditional hegemonic patterns of narration. Malayalam Cinema has seen the arrival of a novel movement that was valiant enough to deconstruct the existing social hierarchies of the Malayalam filmdom only recently. This movement, labelled as the ‘New Generation Wave’ did bring in positive changes as far as the power relations in the portrayal of characters from different sections are concerned. The systemic discrimination faced by the Dalits, hitherto ignored by Malayalam cinema was brought to focus. Though this inevitable change was welcome, a careful analysis raises certain questions about the portrayal of Dalit characters and their relationship to the society.  This paper analyses the film Nayattu(2021) directed by Martin Prakkat and tries to find out the problematic patterns of portrayal employed in the representation of Dalit characters.