Koumudi / Blind Belief

Synopsis

"Koumudi" is a Kannada film that exposes the age-old tradition gripping at some region, where menstruating women and new mothers face banishment to squalid sheds due to beliefs of impurity. While new mothers are sent to the shed for 63 days, first-time menstruating women are sent for 23 days. Chithavva, a resilient newcomer to the village, swiftly becomes a vocal opponent of these oppressive customs. Despite fierce community
resistance, she remains steadfast in her mission to challenge and abolish this practice. Avani, the progressive daughter of the village head, joins her cause but struggles against her father's staunch adherence to tradition.

The narrative intensifies when Chithavva gives birth and is exiled to a remote shed. Isolated and vulnerable to wildlife and harsh elements, she battles profound loneliness and risks her own life. Her anxiety heightens with the disappearance of Prema, her brother-in-law’s daughter, who faced a similar fate during her first menstruation. Amidst these trials, Chithavva’s resilience is tested as she fights to protect her newborn and confronts the life-threatening consequences of tradition. "Koumudi" poignantly explores the impact of entrenched practices, challenging audiences to contemplate their societal costs and the courage required for change.

The Director joins via Zoom for a post screening discussion.