Feminichi Fathima

Drama Malayalam

Fathima, a housewife in the coastal town of Ponnani, lives under the strict control of her orthodox husband, Ashraf. When her son wets their old mattress, Fathima’s attempt to replace it sparks conflict. Ashraf blocks her at every turn, despite her back pain and growing frustration. Eventually, Fathima realizes the mattress represents more than just comfort it’s her chance to reclaim her independence. By finally buying it, she takes a bold stand

Cast:	Shamla Hamza, Kumar Sunil, Viji Viswanath, Pushpa, Praseedha, Raji Menon
Director:	Fasil Muhammed
Writer:	Fasil Muhammed
Editor:	Fasil Muhammed

Guild Reviews

Image of scene from the film Feminichi Fathima

Feminichi Fathima and Victoria Interrogate the Interiority of Women’s Lives and Celebrate Seemingly Small Victories

Aditya Shrikrishna | Independent Film Critic writing for The Polis Project

Mon, March 17 2025

Two Malayalam films that world premiered at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala in December 2024 share DNA despite employing different milieu and techniques. Fasil Muhammed’s Feminichi Fathima (also screened at the 14th Indian Film Festival of Bhubaneswar) is about the eponymous Muslim housewife in Ponnani in Malappuram and possesses a day-in-the-life narrative. Sivaranjini’s Victoria designs a single day as a series of single takes in the life of Victoria, a beautician at a parlor in Angamaly who is juggling a characteristically busy day at the office and a tenuous period in her personal life.