In the short film “Menarche,” on the same rainy evening that she receives the death certificate for her parents after their tragic death from Covid-19, Yasmin also blossoms into womanhood. However, her first period is but a mystery to the poor girl. She resides in the slums with her younger brother Faizal, and begins to panic at the sight of the menstrual blood and the pain from stomach cramps. As Yasmin fears for her life alone in their cramped tinroof hut, Faizal runs from pillar to post for help. Thankfully, he encounters two trans women who are more than happy to give Yasmin her first menstrual education.
Writer/Director Pruthvi Kunigal must be commended for delivering a great message of period positivity through this film. This is especially true in India, where menstruation is still viewed as impure, and the stigma has yet not dissipated. Kunigal achieves his message without any preachiness; he instead conveys this message in a straightforward and simple-yet-effective, memorable manner.
Addressing Casteism and Transphobia with a Deft Hand
The short also benefits from visual imagery that touches upon other outdated mentalities prevailing in the country such as casteism. “Menarche” depicts this via the statue of Dr. Ambedkar, an advocate for Dalit and the underprivileged that looms over Faizal. He stands distraught by the main road outside the slum after vehicles fail to halt for him. He feels ostracized after nobody takes heed of his pleas for help. The film also puts to rest any stigma of natural bodily functions such as menstruation that many view as impure, but which can be viewed as a woman’s biggest strength in its purest form.
Through the positive depiction of trans women who ultimately act as the orphaned siblings’ found family,’ viewers will also come away with an amicable viewpoint on the trans community. This community is otherwise subjected to transphobic slurs by society and in media, an even considered as impure themselves and thus dehumanised. “Menarche” breaks this cycle of transphobia. It portrays both trans women in this film as goddesses in disguise and thus empowers them instead.
A Step in the Right Direction
The cast comprising of Kethana Manjunath, Chinmay Mahesh, RJ Priyanka (a Bangalore-based radio jockey who also has the honour of being the country’s first transgender radio jockey), and Asha Gowda all deliver sincere performances. Additionally, the background score by Harsha Vardhan Raj is yet another high point of this short film. It beautifully captures the soothing and charming nature of some scenes, particularly during the climax. It also adds a sense of comfort to the siblings’ interactions with each other.
“Menarche” is definitely a step in the right direction in promoting period positivity and in shedding light on the need to put transphobia and other societal stigmas to rest. And ultimately, it is something hopefully both young and older generations can learn an important and timely lesson from.
“Menarche” was reviwed as part of the 2022 Bengalore International Short Film Festival. It is currently available to watch on YouTube for free at this link.
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