The Conflict Between Freedom and Constraint Within Boundaries

The Shape of Momo, set against the backdrop of Sikkim and co-produced by India and South Korea, is director Triveni Rai’s first narrative film in the Nepali language. This film explores the internalized patriarchy and the struggle for personal freedom through the story of Vishnu, a 32-year-old woman who returns to her rural home from Delhi. It is said that cinema is a blend of visuals and sound; if either falters, even the strongest storyline will weaken the film. By this standard, Triveni Rai’s The Shape of Momo is largely a commendable work.

This Nepali-language film is set in the Himalayan region of Sikkim and marks the director’s debut in narrative filmmaking. It has gained recognition and appreciation at international film festivals. The story is narrated from the perspective of Vishnu (played by Goumaya Gurung), a 32-year-old woman who leaves her life in Delhi to return to her Himalayan village. At home, she finds her elderly grandmother ill, her mother, and her pregnant sister; notably, there are no men in the household. Yet, despite the absence of men, patriarchy persists. The film successfully conveys the message that structural flaws allow patriarchy to survive within women themselves, even in the absence of men.

The plot is straightforward yet impactful. It does not rely on major events or surprising twists. Vishnu’s return home sets the stage for internal family conflicts, social expectations of the village, and her personal struggles. Coming from a modern, independent lifestyle in Delhi, she feels like an ‘outsider’ in her village. As an educated, privileged, and progressive thinker, Vishnu confronts the daily struggles, endurance, and internalized patriarchy among women in her community.

This nuanced approach prevents the film from becoming a superficial feminist narrative. Drawing on Michel Foucault’s theory of power, the film portrays how patriarchy spreads and perpetuates itself—even when men are absent, women continue to uphold it. Director Rai weaves this story based on her own experiences; the lead character is even named after the late father of the director herself.

Overall, The Shape of Momo is a film that raises profound questions through a simple narrative. To label this film as simply ‘Indian’ or ‘foreign’ would be unjust. Ultimately, what is freedom? Is leaving family the only path to liberation? Are traditions merely constraints or sources of comfort? To some extent, viewers may find their answers during the one-and-a-half-hour runtime of this thoughtful film.