VASUMATHI

Vasumathi” is a compelling short film that explores the inner conflict of a young director, Vasumathi, on the eve of her first film shoot. Raised with traditional values, Vasumathi finds herself at a crossroads when her scheduled shoot at a Saraswati temple coincides with the onset of her menstrual period, challenging her deeply ingrained beliefs.

As she grapples with the symptoms of schizophrenia and manages her medication, Vasumathi is tormented by hallucinations of a Kathakali dancer and an elderly woman—symbolic of the cultural and familial expectations that weigh heavily on her. These figures represent the age-old traditions that dictate a woman’s role and the taboo surrounding menstruation.

Faced with a decision that could define her career and self-identity, Vasumathi battles the societal norms that restrict her, ultimately realizing that her ambitions and modern mindset are more powerful than the superstitions that attempt to bind her.

With support from her assistant director and a newfound sense of courage, Vasumathi embraces her role as a filmmaker, choosing to break free from the constraints of her upbringing and assert her right to lead and create.

“Vasumathi” is a tribute to the resilience and determination of women navigating the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, ultimately asserting that personal empowerment and self-belief can overcome deeply rooted societal norms.