Symposium explores humour’s role in challenging social and political realities

Humour in Malayalam cinema has long transcended entertainment, serving as a tool to question social realities, political structures and cultural norms, speakers observed at a symposium on ‘Humour in Malayalam cinema’ held at Ayyankali Hall on Tuesday. The event was organised by the University College Union and Film Club.

Film critic, writer and documentary filmmaker C.S. Venkiteswaran and academic Dr B. Hariharan traced the evolution of humour in Malayalam cinema, highlighting its roots in literature, theatre and traditional performance forms. They noted that Malayalam cinema has remained closely connected to social realities, allowing humour and satire to emerge as important tools of criticism and reflection.

Venkiteswaran said Malayalam cinema’s comic tradition had been shaped by literature, theatre, and later the mimicry movement, while Hariharan pointed to the works of filmmaker and actor Sreenivasan as examples of humour used to address caste, politics, and other social issues. The speakers also discussed the portrayal of women in comedy, the continuing relevance of political satires such as Sandesham, and the role of humour in exposing social contradictions.

Significance of dubbing

A second session examined the significance of dubbing in creating humour on screen. Actor and dubbing artist Harikeshan Thampi described dubbing as an art refined through experience, while dubbing artist Praveen Harisree observed that humour remained one of the most effective ways to connect with audiences. The session was moderated by Dr S. Sarath.

The concluding session focused on satire in popular Malayalam cinema and media. Mathrubhumi Deputy Editor Pramesh Kumar and Asianet News presenter M.V. Nishanth discussed the importance of political satire and argued that humour remains an effective medium for critiquing contemporary political and social developments. The session was moderated by Dr K.P. Jayakiran.

As part of the programme, a special session titled “Priyadarshan at 100” paid tribute to filmmaker Priyadarshan, an alumnus of University College. A recorded video message from the director was screened, followed by a tribute video highlighting his contributions to Malayalam cinema.

Inaugurating the programme, University College Principal Dr Santhosh Kumar said the institution shared a long association with Malayalam cinema, with several prominent film personalities having emerged from the college. Union Chairman Hari Nandan R. presided over the function. Dr. Deepa Prasad. L, Film Club Convenor, proposed the vote of thanks.

The writer, Malavika Devi J.R., is an intern with the Hindu, Thiruvananthapuram