Kochi: Following the significant national and international acclaim of its groundbreaking first season, which featured inmates of Viyyur Central Prison, Mirchi’s Mathilukalkkappuram (Beyond the Walls) is set to return with a highly anticipated second edition.
This time exploring a powerful and timely theme – “Woman and Wall”. Anil Kumar K, Superintendent, Viyyur Central Prison and Correctional Home, lauded the efforts of Mirchi Malayalam. He said, “Kudos to the efforts of the team in executing this special broadcast that has broken barriers and is one of its kind in the history of radio.”
Mathilukalkkappuram(beyond the walls) 2.0 pushed the boundaries even further, shedding light on the invisible walls that restrict women’s freedom, rights, and choices, both inside and outside prison walls. The Mirchi campaign this year brought together leaders and changemakers. Divya S Iyer IAS, managing director of Vizhinjam International Seaport Thiruvananthapuram, said, “The society that is designed for men and making women invisible and incapable of a fight is the major invisible wall for women”.
Singer-actor Sayanora, who took part in the special show, said, “Women are forced to shrink into the expectations of society and sacrifice their dreams”. Adv. Sruthi Das, a family lawyer at the High Court of Kerala, shared legal insights on women’s safety and rights during the special broadcast. Rafia Afi, a Social media influencer who made headlines with Kerala’s first divorcee meet-up, brought a fresh and bold perspective on breaking societal stigmas on divorced women.
Outdoor broadcasts by Mirchi RJs across the city gave everyday citizens a voice, allowing the public to share their views on the challenges women face. The highlight of this special broadcast is the radio show featuring women inmates from Attakulangara Women’s Prison and Viyyur Central Jail, with five specially curated shows from 7 AM till 11 PM:
- Mornings from Central Jail
- Njanum Pinne Njanum
- Chamayangalillathe
- Oru Kett Patt
- Hridayapoorvam
RJ host said, “The one thing I loved the most is the night sky, which I miss now. The price we must pay for a mistake is huge.” RJ, another host, spoke through tears about the pain of separation from her son, using the airwaves to confess her endless love for him.
“Mathilukalkkappuram 2.0” is not just a radio campaign – it’s a movement to open conversations, question biases, and inspire change. By stepping beyond literal and metaphorical walls, it invites society to see, hear, and understand the realities faced by women on the margins. Mirchi is committed to creating programming that not only entertains but challenges mindsets, sparks dialogue and amplifies voices that are too often silenced.
