Exploring Gender Violence in the Malayalam Series 'Eyes'

The Malayalam series 'Eyes' explores the dark realities of gender violence through a task force dedicated to monitoring and rehabilitating offenders. With a focus on personal stories and societal pressures, the show challenges traditional views on punishment and advocates for understanding and therapy. As the characters navigate complex cases, they confront their own dilemmas, revealing the intricate dynamics of relationships affected by patriarchy. This seven-episode series offers a thought-provoking look at a pervasive issue, encouraging viewers to reflect on the nature of love and violence. Dive into the world of 'Eyes' to uncover its compelling narrative and the performances that bring these stories to life.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 9, 2026, 08:52 IST

Overview of 'Eyes'

The Malayalam series Eyes delves into the troubling issue of gender violence, focusing on the monitoring of men who engage in harassment or violence against women they profess to love. Available on Sony LIV, the show aims to shed light on the realities of gender-based violence and its impact on individuals.

The Task Force and Its Challenges

In response to a surge in stalking incidents, a task force named 'Eyes' has been established. This initiative recognizes that traditional punitive measures often fall short, thus shifting the emphasis towards rehabilitating offenders while utilizing a tracking software created by criminal psychologist Vidya (played by Shruthi Ramachandran).

The goal is to intervene before potential violence occurs, while also gaining insights into the perpetrators' motivations. However, the disparity between theoretical knowledge and real-world behavior can be significant.

Key Characters and Their Dynamics

Vidya collaborates with fellow psychologists Ayesha (Nikhila Vimal) and Thanvi (Riya), alongside police representatives Tina (Kani Kusruti) and Justin (Prabhu Muraleekrishnan). Together, they navigate complex cases while confronting skepticism regarding consent and privacy issues, particularly from Tina, who is cautious about the implications of their work.

One notable case involves Milan (Vasu Bose), a photographer who believes that a famous actress, Rithika (Anagha), shares his obsessive feelings. Another case features IAS officer Sajin (Dev Mohan), who faces allegations of psychological abuse against his wife, Shobitha (Saniya). Sajin claims to be the victim of a conspiracy orchestrated by Shobitha, the daughter of a powerful politician.

Setbacks and Personal Struggles

The team experiences a setback when a man, who had been terrorizing his girlfriend, takes his own life. Additionally, they encounter a woman who struggles to leave her alcoholic partner. These challenges weigh heavily on Vidya, who has invested significant resources into developing the tracking software. The personal lives of the team members also come into play, revealing tensions such as Tina's relationship with her police officer husband and the issues Thanvi faces with her fiancé.

Director's Vision and Themes

Under the direction of Manu Ashokan, with a story by Anjana Nayar and a screenplay by Bobby & Sanjay, the series effectively balances professional responsibilities with personal conflicts. One case particularly tests the investigators' judgment: can the charming and articulate Sajin truly be the monster Shobitha claims he is?

Despite some predictable staging and contrived plot elements, the seven-episode series successfully addresses the quest for justice without resorting to vigilante tactics. While Eyes portrays numerous reprehensible characters, it refrains from outright condemnation, advocating for therapy over incarceration for offenders.

Performances and Broader Implications

Among the cast, Kani Kusruti's portrayal of Tina, Jaffer Idukki as the father of one of the abusers, and Prabhu Muraleekrishnan as Justin are particularly noteworthy. However, some performances fall short of effectively conveying the show's deeper themes, which extend beyond stalking to critique the patriarchal structures at play.

The series highlights how family dynamics and societal pressures often trap women in toxic relationships. While Eyes does not claim to have all the answers to this pervasive issue, it presents a clear-eyed examination of its subject matter and the enduring harm caused by what is often mischaracterized as 'one-sided love'.