…an embodiment of the strengths, weaknesses and everything in between.
What does hair mean to any woman personally, socially and psychologically? The portrayal of female characters often transcends mere visual aesthetics, delving deep into the symbolism of hair as a silent communicator of their psychology and personality. Long, short, straight, wavy, curly, etc are the lengths and types of hair that can offer profound insights into an individual’s psychology and personality. If observed closely, even some people around can be seen carrying their hair in a certain way that it communicates their personality. People’s choice of hairdressing often (subconsciously) tells a lot about them. This post delves deeper into the psychology and personalities of female characters in Gulaal, Ugly, Mukkabaaz, Choked and Raman Raghav 2.0. From Kiran’s short hair to Simmy’s untied locks, each strand carries with it a wealth of meaning, reflecting the motives and inner turmoil of the characters.
Short hair symbolises confidence, practicality and modernity. individuals with short hair are often perceived as bold assertive and a no-nonsense approach to life. The decision to opt for short hair might signify a desire for freedom from societal expectations. Through Kiran’s unconventional hairstyle, the director subtly communicates her rebellious spirit and independent mindset setting her apart from the traditional feminine ideas held by the patriarchal society depicted in the film. Kiran is often seen to be confidently asserting her authority. She challenges the male dominated structures within the Rajputana political system throughout the film. She is purposed to use her seductive power to manipulate and draw men into her web for fulfilment of an agenda. Kiran seems to think that she used those around her, but apparently she was the puppet being controlled. Short hair represents her psychological subconscious. It symbolises her defiance against societal norms and expectations. This is witnessed when she asserts agency while asking for an immediate abortion and denial to be in a relationship.
Anuja, (Jesse Randhawa) a young and new lecturer in Rajpur, is brutally ragged by Jarwal (Pankaj Jha) and his gang. After being released naked, she cuts her own hair. Hair is considered as a symbol of womanhood and freedom. But when Anuja’s freedom got violated, she cut off her hair to break with the wrongdoings she had faced. She seems to seek liberation the other way round. Her identity faces patriarchal oppression and control due to her vulnerability and powerlessness.
Sunaina’s (Zoya Hussain) symbolism of hair is taken upon differently in the narrative of Mukkabaaz. Her long untied hair symbolises her freedom and independence. She turns down traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Her choice of keeping hair untied reflects her assertion of agency. Being mute does not let her conform to the patriarchal norms that are confined to control her identity. Sunaina is seen confidently expressing her desires. By choosing to marry Shravan (Vineet Kumar Singh) she challenges the caste based discrimination and prejudices prevalent among their community.
In Ugly, Shalini’s (Tejaswini Kolhapure) messy untied hair mirrors her inner turmoil and distress. She is like a caged bird, as her husband always keeps a track on her whereabouts. He restricts her from deciding for herself. This is his avenge for the sufferings he faced in the past because of Shalini and her ex-husband Rahul (Rahul Bhatt). Financial dependency and her daughter’s disappearance takes a toll on her psyche. Her dishevelled appearance marked by messy hair portrays her state of mind aptly. Her husband does not even look at her with any love interest. The muted marriage and mental suffering has left her with no reason to get ready for. That might come as a reason that she is mostly seen in a messy appearance.
In Choked, Sarita’s (Saiyami Kher) tightly tied hair symbolises her restraint and conformity to societal expectations. She engages with her roles as a wife, mother and breadwinner. It symbolises her adherence to traditional gender roles and her efforts to fulfil her responsibilities within the family structure. Sarita looks dry and lethargic whenever her hair is tied up in a bun. This suggests her dissatisfaction towards Sushant’s (Roshan Mathew) unemployment and financial shortage within the household. She is seen interacting with her family in a subdued manner. Whereas when her hair is untied, she is seen exhibiting autonomy and a sense of liberation for personal fulfilment. The glimpses of the singing performance portray Sarita with untied hair. That marks the moment where she is embracing her true self beyond the roles assigned to her by society. Her hair is seen untied only during the singing performance and the last few scenes. Otherwise she has her hair tied up throughout the film.
When Simmy’s (Sobhita Dhulipala) hair is untied, she is visibly clear with her sexual desires and liberation. When her hair is tied up she seems to hold back a bit and faces exploitation from Raghav (Vicky Kaushal). She does face exploitation after their intercourse (her hair is untied in that instance) but she seems to respond confidently to that exploitation in that case. Whereas when Raghav ragefully tells Simmy that, “Vo jo wahan baithi hai vo meri exclusive maa hai aur main uska exclusive beta hoon, toh uske liye tu bass ek jaan ne wali hai” then she did not quite respond much assertively.
When her hair are tied or braided, she looks passive and does not quite refrain from Raghav's dominance upon her. Hair is therefore an unmissable element which subtly conveys the mindset of every female character in Gulaal, Mukkabaaz, Ugly, Choked and Raman Raghav 2.0 as per the situations that come their way.
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