Girish AD’s latest movie, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, faced some criticism over the 12-year age gap between the lead pair, played by Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju. But for a lighthearted narrative, I felt this plot point is a passable conflict, because while it raises eyebrows, it isn’t very disturbing. Age could actually be just a number and an older man romancing a young woman doesn’t feel exploitative here.In fact, I felt this was a pleasant change from Girish’s usual relationship narratives, given how he has managed to fly under the radar with chauvinistic characterisations previously. In today’s times, filmmakers have a responsibility towards fair and conscious gender portrayals, and the cinematic experience is spoilt for me if this isn’t followed.In Thanneer Mathan Dinangal and Premalu, the female leads are ambitious toppers with male admirers, and they can choose an equal as their romantic partner. But in the climax of both these beloved films, even as the young women are leaving for better prospects — one for college and the latter for the UK — they are forced to quickly declare their love for the male lead, who are academic failures with nothing much going for them, and who they rejected initially. There seems to be some glorification of the ‘loser’, who manages to get a girl who is out of his league. Rather than ‘Love conquers all’, the message we get — intentionally or otherwise — is ‘Keep trying and the girl will eventually say yes’.Which is why Bethlehem Kudumba Unit gives me hope as it makes me believe Girish has matured. Mamitha’s character, Ashley, has agency. She falls for Justin, because she sees qualities and shares mutual interests that she doesn’t see in guys her age. He is older, but he is fun loving, and is respected and admired by family and friends. It is only when she expresses her interest that he says he has thought about it and responds likewise.And finally, I felt good seeing Girish portray gender dynamics that feels timely, with a girl who speaks her mind and a guy who is sensitive to her.Girish AD’s latest movie, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, faced some criticism over the 12-year age gap between the lead pair, played by Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju. But for a lighthearted narrative, I felt this plot point is a passable conflict, because while it raises eyebrows, it isn’t very disturbing. Age could actually be just a number and an older man romancing a young woman doesn’t feel exploitative here.In fact, I felt this was a pleasant change from Girish’s usual relationship narratives, given how he has managed to fly under the radar with chauvinistic characterisations previously. In today’s times, filmmakers have a responsibility towards fair and conscious gender portrayals, and the cinematic experience is spoilt for me if this isn’t followed.In Thanneer Mathan Dinangal and Premalu, the female leads are ambitious toppers with male admirers, and they can choose an equal as their romantic partner. But in the climax of both these beloved films, even as the young women are leaving for better prospects — one for college and the latter for the UK — they are forced to quickly declare their love for the male lead, who are academic failures with nothing much going for them, and who they rejected initially. There seems to be some glorification of the ‘loser’, who manages to get a girl who is out of his league. Rather than ‘Love conquers all’, the message we get — intentionally or otherwise — is ‘Keep trying and the girl will eventually say yes’.Which is why Bethlehem Kudumba Unit gives me hope as it makes me believe Girish has matured. Mamitha’s character, Ashley, has agency. She falls for Justin, because she sees qualities and shares mutual interests that she doesn’t see in guys her age. He is older, but he is fun loving, and is respected and admired by family and friends. It is only when she expresses her interest that he says he has thought about it and responds likewise.And finally, I felt good seeing Girish portray gender dynamics that feels timely, with a girl who speaks her mind and a guy who is sensitive to her.
