FLUID NARRATIVES & EXISTENTIALISM: A STUDY OF WATER AS A SOCIO-CULTURAL METAPHOR IN CONTEMPORARY MALAYALAM CINEMA

Abstract

Water transcends its function as a vital resource, emerging as a powerful symbol that encapsulates the emotional, social, and ecological dimensions of human existence. This study investigates the thought-provoking socio-cultural significance of  water and aquatic habitats  in contemporary Malayalam cinema, focusing on their role in portraying human relationships. Through a critical analysis of select films, this research reveals how water imagery serves as a narrative device to explore complex interpersonal dynamics, migration, environmental degradation, and cultural identity.  This  study  highlights  the  complex  interactions  between  water,  culture,  and  human connections  in  contemporary  Malayalam  cinema  by  employing  critical  perspectives  from existentialism and exploring the ever-growing realm of Blue Humanities. It demonstrates how filmmakers skilfully use water as a theme to deepen viewers' understanding of cultural contexts and encourage critical thought about how people interact with the natural world. The fluidity of water not only mirrors the ebb and flow of human emotions but also reflects societal issues, fostering a nuanced dialogue about survival and resilience in the face of ecological challenges. By evaluating the intricate narratives within Malayalam films, this research contributes to the expanding discourse on water as a metaphor for human relationships, emphasizing its critical role in shaping narratives and identities. The findings illuminate how the representation of water archetypes enriches cultural commentary, revealing the connections between people and their environments. Further, This study seeks to foster a more nuanced appreciation of the portrayal of water in Malayalam cinema, positioning it as a critical lens through which to examine broader socio-cultural themes and facets of human experience