Kumari (2022) is a Malayalam fantasy horror film directed by Nirmal Sahadev, set in a fictional, superstitious village in northern Kerala. The story unfolds through a grandmother’s tale about a goddess who marries a mortal and bears two powerful sons, Chathan and Gari Devan. Their destructive conflict leads to a curse on their lineage, compelling future generations to appease them through sacrifices. The narrative follows Kumari, an orphan raised by her uncles and brother Jayan, who marries Dhruvan, a mentally unwell man and descendant of the cursed family. As Kumari becomes pregnant, she uncovers the family’s dark history and the impending threat to her child. Determined to protect her unborn son, Kumari seeks the aid of Chathan, leading to a climactic battle between the forces of good and evil.

The film delves into themes of power, sacrifice, and the oppression of women, particularly highlighting the recurring motif of motherhood. Characters like Nangakutty and Lakshmi are forced to make harrowing choices, reflecting the patriarchal demands of their society. Despite its rich visual storytelling and Aishwarya Lekshmi’s compelling performance, the film’s script has been critiqued for its predictability and lack of depth. Nonetheless, Kumari stands out for its atmospheric setting and exploration of folklore intertwined with familial trauma.