Biriyaani

Biriyaani is a 2020 Indian Malayalam-language drama film written and directed by Sajin Baabu.

When she seeks her own pleasure, he rebukes her, blaming it on her incomplete circumcision, reinforcing the belief that women should not experience sex.

Though Khadeeja is only educated up to high school, her brother is an engineer who recently returned from the Middle East.

His sudden departure triggers another breakdown in their mother, which Khadeeja soothes by promising a feast to commemorate their father’s death anniversary.

News reports warn of radical Wahhabi influence spreading through Malayalees returning from Saudi Arabia, fueling extremist activities.

Under pressure from the community, her husband divorces her via text, forbids her from contacting their son, and abandons her.

Seeking answers, she visits Abubakar, her brother’s handler, who refuses to help, warning them to stay away.

At the shrine, they meet Bijil, a priest who tells them faith alone won’t heal her mother—most visitors come for free meals.

Determined to honour her mother’s wish for a memorial feast, she hosts an iftar, inviting even her ex-husband.