Fall to Rise Again: Resilience and Post-traumatic Growth in the Malayalam Film Uyare

This article attempts to critically examine the representation of the patterns of resilience and post-traumatic growth in the South Indian Malayalam film Uyare, which portrays the trajectory of the life of an acid attack survivor in a predominantly patriarchal society. The paper analyses how the film offers a novel perspective on trauma by foregrounding the possibility of positive changes in the life of the survivor after confronting instances of gruesome violence. The paper posits that unlike many other Indian films on gender violence and acid attacks that focus on the suffering and helplessness of the victims in the face of brutal violence, this film explores an uncharted territory by examining and emphasising resilience and agency. The paper attempts to illustrate how the film Uyare explores a novel way of conceptualising responses to trauma by foregrounding the possibility of Post-traumatic Growth. The paper uses the method of textual analysis for the critical analysis of the representation of trauma and post-traumatic growth in the film. The paper argues that the film Uyare deconstructs conventional trauma narratives rooted in stasis and helplessness by acknowledging the possibility of recovery and growth.