When considering spaces exclusive to men—or those perceived as such—in the Indian context, many examples readily come to mind. But what about spaces exclusively for women, where men are prohibited? Filmmaker Sivaranjini, in her debut feature film Victoria which was featured at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), crafts a poignant tale centred on such a space—one that is both claustrophobic and liberating.
A research student at IIT Bombay, Sivaranjini sets her story in a beauty parlour in a semi-urban setting, where the narrative unfolds. The film closely examines the life of Victoria (Meenakshy Jayan), a beautician, focusing on a single workday that might turn out to be her last.
Victoria wears a smile on her face, but inside, she battles the turmoil caused by the men in her life.
On her way to work, a rooster unexpectedly falls under her care, compelling her to bring it into the beauty parlour. This rooster—which opens up the possibility of being interpreted as a symbol of male presence—becomes a quirky imagery in that exclusively female space. Within this setting, women from diverse backgrounds and social strata open up, share their stories, and console one another.
The rooster does create a mess at times, but the woman manages to tie him up.
Premiered at the IFFK, Victoria stands out for its compelling female gaze. The film captivates with its rich imagery—bold and striking at times, while subtle and understated at others. The standout feature is the stellar performances from the cast, which elevate the narrative. The extensive use of handheld shots adds an intimate, dynamic touch. Director Sivaranjini, who also took charge of editing, ensures the film is tightly crafted and decently paced.
The script incorporates a thoughtful dose of dark humour while exploring what women seek in a space that is exclusive and safe for them. During the post-screening Q&A, Sivaranjini shared that Meenakshy underwent a crash beautician course and fine-tuned her dialect for the role, efforts that are evident in her remarkable on-screen performance.
Victoria is the fifth film produced by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation as part of its initiative to support women filmmakers.