Shamla Hamza has won the Kerala State Award for Best Actress for her convincingly stirring portrayal of a mother and housewife stifled by a patriarchal household in Fazil Muhammed's Feminichi Fathima.
A native of Thrithala, Palakkad, Shamla is a mother herself and a former radio jockey. Her debut feature was 1001 Nunakal, directed by Thamar KV, who was a co-producer on Feminichi Fathima.
At the IFFK event last year, to attend the screening of the film, Shamla told Onmanorama that she was drawn to the film because of its wonderful message. "Many, after watching the film, told me they were waiting for such a simple definition of feminism.”
Shamla worked in the film while nursing her six-month-old daughter. It was an experience made manageable by the support of the film's team.
“It has been difficult, like for any mother,” she recalled. “But my director and the crew were extremely supportive and gave me the space and time to look after my baby even amid the shoot.”
The film’s other principal cast members include Kumar Sunil, Viji Viswanath, Praseetha, Raji R Unnsi, and Babitha.
After its festival circuit run, Feminichi Fathima reached theatres last month. A streaming release confirmation is awaited.
In its review of the film, THE WEEK wrote: "Feminichi Fathima (English: Feminist Fathima) isn't a film interested in loud outbursts and fiery speeches. It knows that loud and clear statements don't necessarily require a raising of the voice. It's funny how men like Ashraf, whose brains were narrowed by years of patriarchal conditioning, see inflicting physical violence as "haram" but don't think twice before subjecting their wives to psychological violence."
