Why Aren’t We Celebrating Jyothika’s Omana from Kaathal – The Core Enough?

Have you seen “Kaathal – The Core” yet? It’s a true gem, starring the legendary Mammootty and the talented Jyothika.

This film narrates the story of Omana, a straight woman seeking to dissolve her unhappy marriage with her husband, Mathew, a homosexual man who hasn’t come out yet. I’m all praise for the director, Joe Baby, for making this film and in awe of Mammootty, for breathing life into Mathew. That being said, I can’t help but feel that Jyothika’s Omana hasn’t received the recognition it deserves.

Unlike the stereotypical depiction of strong women who are often portrayed wielding guns or holding positions of power, Omana stands out as an embodiment of subtle strength. She is not the fierce woman clad in denim and leather but rather a woman of subtle power, draped in a saree. Much like her character, which has few but profound dialogues, Omana speaks volumes not through words but through her actions.

It might have taken her years to muster the courage to stand up for what she rightfully deserves, but once she decides to prioritise herself, she stops at nothing. Despite her compassionate and forgiving nature, she no longer tolerates being taken for granted.

Omana’s courageous stand for herself

Omana decides to dissolve her marriage with her Mathew and initiates the proceedings, but the timing coincides with Mathew’s plans to contest in the upcoming local by-election. She is well aware that as a consequence of her action, Mathew may lose the local by-election, face humiliation, and even face social ostracization, yet she refuses to be swayed from her stand. Despite facing opposition from nearly everyone, including Mathew himself, her own brother, and the church father, Omana stands her ground.

Omana firmly explains her decision by stating, “I understand the impact my decision will have on the people around me, but if I back off now, I would be unjust to myself.” This scene stands as a testament to her resilience and determination. Having finally chosen to break free from the chains of patriarchy that had bound her for so long, she has no plans of retreating.

Omana’s compassions amidst conflict

If that moment was the crux of Omana’s strength, the scene where Omana and Mathew finally have a heart-to-heart conversation towards the end of the film highlights her compassion and ability to forgive. As Mathew apologises for all the sufferings she endured throughout their marriage, she asks him, “Don’t you think you deserve to live a life that you desire? Do you really believe that I did all this solely for my own sake?”

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This scene shows that, despite being lied to and cheated on, Omana’s recognises that they both were victims of social expectations that confined them to predetermined roles and empathises with him.

Embracing the new-found freedom

In the closing scene, we see Omana, now divorced, meeting someone at a restaurant. Her radiant face and flowing hair speak volumes about her embrace of her new-found independence. Having spent her youth bound by patriarchal constraints in an unhappy marriage, Omana is now exploring the endless possibilities of love and life.

Omana’s strength in Kaathal is something that every woman-next-door can resonate with. It gives you a powerful message to take home: women don’t have to fit the “badass” stereotype to be considered strong. Every woman who stands up for herself embodies courage and resilience.

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