Food, Caste, and Queer Desire: A Look at Geeli Pucchi

Food is more than just something we eat. It can be a way to control people. It can also be a way to show love and desire. In the short film "Geeli Pucchi," food is used in both ways. The film is part of the Netflix series "Ajeeb Dastaans." It tells the story of a Dalit, queer woman. Her life is shaped by caste rules around food.

Food as Oppression

In the film, food is a tool of oppression. The upper caste, or Savarna, use food to keep Dalits in a lower position. They say Dalits are dirty and not pure. This is used to justify treating them badly.

Food as Desire

But food is also a way for the protagonist to show her desire for another woman. This desire challenges caste rules.

Unlabeled Love

The film does not use the word "lesbian." This is interesting. It shows that same-gender desire can exist without being labeled. In South Asia, there are many ways to show love and desire. Food can be a part of this. It can create intimacy and connection.

Caste Taboos and Resistance

However, caste taboos around food are still strong. They limit the power of food to challenge the status quo. The film shows this struggle. It shows how food can be both a tool of oppression and a way to resist it.

Dalit and Queer Cinema

"Geeli Pucchi" is part of a tradition of Dalit and queer cinema in India. It adds to this tradition by showing the complexity of caste and desire. The film invites us to think critically about these issues. It shows that food is not just about eating. It is about power, love, and resistance.