Soul Stories

Soul Stories is a Malayalam language web series with five episodes where each story focus on a socially relevant subject that affects the life of women like sexuality, class difference, gender discrimination and consent. ^[1] It is directed by Sanil Kalathil. ^{[2] [3] [4] [5]}

Plot

The anthology series is divided into five short stories, each exploring the female psyche and body. ^[2]

Cast

• Suhasini Maniratnam ^{[6] [7]} as Rani
• Anarkali Marikar ^[6] as Vaishnavi
• Dayyana Hameed ^[2]
• Renji Panicker ^[6]
• RJ Karthik ^[6]
• Wafa Khatheeja ^[6]
• Asha Madathil ^[6]
• Gopika Manjusha ^[6]
• Nimna Fathoomi as Raiza ^[8]

Release

The web weries was released on manoramaMAX OTT platform on October 18, 2024. ^{[9] [10] [7] [11] [12]}

Reception

"Soul Stories" garnered a generally positive reception upon its release on manoramaMAX, with critics and audiences praising its focus on diverse female experiences and its thought-provoking narratives.

Critical Response:

• Themes and Storytelling: The web series was lauded for its exploration of socially relevant subjects impacting women, such as sexuality, class differences, gender discrimination, and consent. Reviewers noted how the anthology format allowed for a sensitive and sensible, though not always smooth, portrayal of the female psyche and body. For instance, a review by Onmanorama highlighted the series' attempt to provide a "short guide to understanding women." ^[2]
• Performances: The ensemble cast, including Anarkali Marikar, Suhasini Maniratnam, Dayyana Hameed, and Renji Panicker, received appreciation for their nuanced performances. Suhasini Maniratnam's portrayal of a classical dancer and Dayyana Hameed's performance in a daring segment exploring a same-sex relationship were particularly highlighted by critics, including those from OTTPlay. ^[13]
• Direction: Sanil Kalathil's direction was commended for its honest approach to depicting the travails of women and for staying true to the core idea of the series. As noted by OTTPlay, Kalathil "stays honest to the core idea as it portrays the travails of women." ^[13]
• Specific Episodes: Individual episodes were often singled out for their impact. "Kiss of Kochi," starring Anarkali Marikar, was praised for its unique and thought-provoking take on consent, with Onmanorama stating it offers a "unique view of consent that is both straightforward and thought-provoking." "Simhathinte Madiyil" was found relatable by parents of teenagers for its handling of adolescent challenges and the need for psychological help, as highlighted by Mobile Masala ^[14] and Onmanorama. "Neeril Veezhum Pookkal" was noted for its bold exploration of a same-sex relationship, with Onmanorama acknowledging its "daring" nature. ^[2]

References

1. "പ്രിവിലേജുകൾ മനസ്സിലാക്കാന്‍ ശ്രമിക്കാറുണ്ട് | Soul Stories | Anarkali Marikar | Manorama Max". പ്രിവിലേജുകൾ മനസ്സിലാക്കാന്‍ ശ്രമിക്കാറുണ്ട് | Soul Stories | Anarkali Marikar | Manorama Max (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2025-03-07.
2. "The anthology series is divided into five short stories, each exploring the female psyche and body sensitively and sensibly, though not always smoothly or organically". Onmanorama. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
3. "കയ്യടി നേടി 'സോൾ സ്‌റ്റോറീസ്'; മനോരമമാക്‌സിന്റെ ഒറിജിനൽ ആന്തോളജി സ്ട്രീമിങ് ആരംഭിച്ചു". കയ്യടി നേടി ‘സോൾ സ്‌റ്റോറീസ്’; മനോരമമാക്‌സിന്റെ ഒറിജിനൽ ആന്തോളജി സ്ട്രീമിങ് ആരംഭിച്ചു (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2024-11-28.
4. "Changing trends: LGBTQ+, bold themes explored in Malayalam cinema in 2024". Changing trends: LGBTQ+, bold themes explored in Malayalam cinema in 2024. Retrieved 2025-03-06.
5. "Soul Stories trailer: Manorama Max's original web series looks at pertinent issues related to women". OTTPlay. Retrieved 2025-03-06.
6. "Soul Stories trailer: Manorama Max's original web series looks at pertinent issues related to women". OTTPlay. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
7. Desk, Entertainment. "Soul Stories OTT: സോൾ സ്റ്റോറീസ് ഒടിടിയിലേക്ക്". malayalam.indianexpress.com (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2024-12-03.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
8. "Soul Stories review: Anarkali Marikar's series stands up for women". OTTPlay. Retrieved 2025-03-07.
9. "From 1000 Babies to Lubber Pandhu: Watch new OTT releases this week on Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix". The Economic Times. 2024-10-15. ISSN   0013-0389 . Retrieved 2024-11-28.
10. "Upcoming South OTT Releases In Second Half Of October: 1000 Babies, ARM And More". English Jagran. 2024-10-15. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
11. Azad, Hardik (2024-10-06). "Soul Stories OTT Release Date: Official premiere date of Suhasini's upcoming Malayalam web series is finally out". NewsroomPost. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
12. "Soul Stories OTT release date Manorama Max: When to watch the Malayalam web series". Indiatimes. 2024-09-16. Retrieved 2025-03-07.
13. "Soul Stories review: Anarkali Marikar's series stands up for women". OTTPlay. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
14. Masala, Mobile. "Home | Mobile Masala". Home | Mobile Masala. Retrieved 2025-07-04.

External links

• Soul Stories at IMDb