Women’s Day: Film Screening
The Women’s Day film screening of Angry Indian Goddesses was organized by ULAB’s Department of English and Humanities, particularly as part of the course “Gender Theory and Literature,” on March 8, 2026. The event began with Dr. Mushira Habib’s introduction to and brief discussion of the themes in the film. She informed the audience that the film contained potentially triggering content, including incidents of harassment and rape, and spoke about the broader struggles women continue to face due to gender-based discrimination. Following her introduction, the screening commenced.
Directed by Pan Nalin, Angry Indian Goddesses is a feminist film that follows a group of female friends who reunite in Goa for a wedding. As they spend time together reminiscing about happier days, the film gradually reveals the personal and social struggles each woman faces, including sexism, sexual violence, homophobia, family pressure, and restrictions on personal freedom. Each character represents a distinct social reality, showing that despite differences in class, profession, and lifestyle, patriarchy affects women across all spheres of life.
One of the film’s most striking moments occurs when the women are harassed after their car breaks down, highlighting how women are often unsafe even when together in public spaces. Although they initially stand up for themselves and drive the harassers away, the same men later become responsible for a tragic incident. Joanna, one of the friends, goes out alone at night to clear her mind only to be brutally assaulted and killed by them.
The aftermath of her death further exposes the deep-rooted victim-blaming embedded in society. When the police investigate the case, they focus on blaming the women for their clothing, smoking, drinking, and the same-sex wedding of Frieda and Nargis, rather than addressing the crime itself. Amid this tragedy, Maya, Suranjana’s six-year-old daughter, unknowingly captures photographs of the perpetrators. Upon discovering the images, Suranjana is driven by grief and rage to confront and shoot the men responsible for Joanna’s death.
In the film’s final scene, when the police demand that the shooter surrender, everyone present in the church stands up in solidarity. This collective act symbolizes resistance against a system that repeatedly fails to deliver justice to women and reflects the shared burden of living under patriarchal oppression.
The screening concluded with an engaging discussion on how the film challenges traditional gender roles and critiques the ways women are judged based on their appearance and behavior. The discussion explored the concept of gendered morality and the double standards women face globally.
Ms. Arifa Ghani Rahman, Head and Associate Professor of the department, appreciated the initiative and joined the screening alongside the students. Ms. Nadia also attended the event and shared insightful remarks on how women often have to navigate workplace environments cautiously as they are frequently judged for their behavior in ways that men are not.
Ms. Arifa Rahman reflected on how, while watching the film, she feared something terrible might happen to Maya, which speaks to how normalized violence against women – and female children – has become in society. Dr. Mushira Habib also shared a personal experience, emphasizing that although women often face harassment, they should feel empowered to defend themselves when necessary. Several female students also shared incidents of harassment they had experienced in broad daylight and crowded public spaces.
Overall, the screening and discussion offered a powerful critique of patriarchy and gender inequality. Through the lives of its characters, Angry Indian Goddesses questioned social norms and strongly advocated for women’s autonomy, justice, and freedom.
Report by Sayka Hossain (223013034)
