I saw this Tamil movie recently - 'Mozhi' - meaning 'Language' or 'Speech'. As the name suggests, the film is about a young girl who is deaf-mute (apologies if this isn't the politically correct reference) and a young musician who falls in love with her.

The characterisation of the female lead in the movie is interesting. Being used to movies where the 'heroine' is this clinging beauty always in need of rescue (usually from her own foolishness), this comes as a pleasant surprise. Here is a leading lady with spunk. Disability notwithstanding, she holds a job as a teacher, paints and even uses her karate to beat up the local drunk. Scorning at pity, she refuses the hero's offer of marriage.

Though to give the hero some credit, he does truly love her and 'wants to share his life with her'. A nice enough bloke who wins you over with his idea of womanhood" well educated, brave and independent - if she is this, then she is beautiful" Oh! Why do these men exist only on celluloid?

What sets Mozhi apart is the way in which the subject of disability has been dealt. Usually Hindi or Tamil movies depict people with disability in superlatives. Either as objects of pity or ridicule. But in Mozhi, the deaf-mute heroine has an innate dignity not usually seen in movies that deal with this subject. She is fully in control of her life, makes decisions and is that rare creature - an empowered woman!

If your apetite to see this movie, has been whetted by this blog post, check it out at your local book /video store. Moserbaer makes Mozhi available to you at the bargain price of Rs. 45!! For non-Tamil speaking viewers, the movie is available with English sub titles. Happy Viewing!