The music scene has once again been energized by Indulekha Warrier, who through her fresh Malayalam rap video ‘Freedom’, becomes the voice of countless individuals who face judgment and ridicule for their personal choices. The video, which addresses issues such as body shaming and freedom of expression, comes as a powerful statement that one’s personal style, choices, and freedoms should not be up for debate. The poignant lyrics, “My smile, my make-up, my body, my words…, my style, my freedom…” encapsulate the essence of the song, stressing the primacy of individual choice in shaping one’s identity.
The versatile Indulekha Warrier, who has already made her mark as a trained musician and playback singer, reveals that the compelling track transcends gender. She affirms, “It is a gender-neutral song,” clarifying that it’s not only women who are impacted but also men and transpersons who frequently endure mockery for merely expressing themselves genuinely. The song, while aligned with International Women’s Day, is a clarion call for inclusivity and respect for personal choices among all genders.
Warrier’s grasp on the genre shines as she imbues her music with personal and social themes. Not a stranger to the rap world, her previous track ‘Penn Rap’, which criticized society’s patriarchal norms, garnered viral attention in 2020. This was followed by ‘Poymukhangal’, a track that highlighted the perils of the cyber world. With ‘Freedom’, which features beats by Jeffin Jestin, Warrier continues to leverage rap as a medium for societal commentary.
The struggle to bring ‘Freedom’ to the public was a testament to Warrier’s dedication. Despite the track being ready last year, the absence of a producer prompted Warrier to take on the role herself. When finding a platform for release proved difficult, she chose to self-publish the music video on her new YouTube channel—a pivot from her usual content of travel vlogs and poetry readings.
Indeed, Warrier’s journey hasn’t been smooth sailing. She has faced cyber attacks and critics who disparage her for various reasons—from her surname to the style of her music. Yet, Warrier remains undeterred, drawing strength from her family’s support, including her husband’s steadfast encouragement.
The inspiration behind Warrier’s artistic endeavors often circles back to the theme of women’s empowerment. Her work is heavily influenced by her desire to advocate for women, mirroring the challenges they face in everyday life. Jayaprakash Kuloor, a theatre practitioner and mentor to her father, actor Jayaraj Warrier, had initially nudged her towards writing socially conscious songs. That seed of advice eventually flourished with ‘Penn Rap’ and continues to blossom with each subsequent release.
Apart from rapping, Warrier’s vocal talents have recently been featured in the song ‘Suryangam’ for the Malayalam version of the anticipated film ‘Salaar’, starring Prabhas and Prithviraj. Her multifaceted talents have kept her in the limelight and her fans eagerly await each new endeavor.
The captivating music video for ‘Freedom’, directed by Mridul Madhav and shot by Naveen Najose, breathes life into Warrier’s vision, translating her impassioned lyrics into a visual spectacle. It is more than just a musical composition; it is a bold statement advocating for the right to self-expression without fear of societal backlash.
As Indulekha Warrier’s ‘Freedom’ reverberates through the digital sphere, it has become a resonant anthem for personal autonomy and the rejection of societal constraints. ‘Freedom’ is now streaming on YouTube, poised to influence, inspire, and affirm that personal choices ought to be celebrated, not censured.
