The Black-and-White World of Non-Residential Indians In Malayalam Films
ROLE: Graphic Designer and Researcher
DEVELOPED: LCC/London, UK
CLIENT: MA Research Project/LCC
This project is a publication index documenting films that portray NRIs (Non-Residential Indians) at the extreme ends of the socio-economic platform, framing their experiences and interactions with the Gulf countries in the black-and-white representation of dream versus nightmare. It investigates the selective archetypes employed by the Malayalam film industry when depicting Gulf-based NRIs by analysing films from 2000 to 2024. Incorporating a factual tone, the publication intended to scrutinise and highlight the limited archetypes employed by Malayalam filmmakers in this representation. Designed for both linear and non-linear reading, each chapter offers a distinct entry point into the research.
Being a Malayali raised in the UAE, I have a personal understanding of the misconceptions surrounding
Gulf-based NRIs. Many assume a life of luxury when they visualise the Dubai lifestyle, while others view Gulf countries as oppressive environments for immigrants. Echoing this perception, filmmakers also choose to depict this selective portrayal of Gulf-based NRIs. Although few films address a middle ground, most still rely on black-and-white representations of wealth vs. poverty or success vs. hardship.
Previously conducted studies have investigated the reasoning behind the stereotypes, linking them to political contexts and economic stereotypes. My research differs by focusing on scripts and dialogues rather than visual depictions, intending not to challenge these archetypes but to advocate for a more nuanced portrayal of both NRIs and the Gulf countries within film narratives.
The database is limited to films which feature protagonists who have either migrated to/or are in the process of migrating to these regions and are shot partly or fully in the depicted countries.