Biriyani

The narrative is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern communication, media scrutiny, and policing. Scenes shift between urban and religious spaces that illustrate current tensions between tradition and individual rights.

The story unfolds across settings tied to the Malayalee diaspora in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. It moves between a traditional family home, a mosque that excommunicates the family, and a shrine where healing rituals occur. These locations frame a clash between deeply rooted customs and the protagonist’s search for personal autonomy.

♀️ Gender Oppression

Khadeeja’s life exposes how a woman can be treated as an object within a loveless marriage and constrained by social expectations. The film traces her struggle to claim agency over her body and choices in the face of patriarchal pressures. It highlights the emotional and financial consequences of systemic gender inequality.

🕌 Religious Hypocrisy

The story juxtaposes outward religious piety with inner moral failings, as figures of faith exploit others while professing virtue. It questions whether rituals and institutions truly heal or merely shield those in power. The protagonist’s critique of double standards drives a core conflict.

🩹 Trauma and Survival

Khadeeja endures compounded trauma—from abuse and abandonment to social ostracism and exploitation. The narrative follows her attempts to cope, survive, and find moments of dignity amid devastation. The arc emphasizes resilience and the lengths one will go to reclaim control.

👪 Family & Loss

Family ties form the emotional backbone of the story, even as they fracture under pressure. The mother’s illness, the brother’s warnings, and the ex-husband’s betrayal drive the descent and eventual reckoning. The film explores what remains of family when trust is broken and life is stripped to its basics.