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Romans

Name: Romans
Director: Boban Samuel
Released: 2013
Duration: 156 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

2013

Director

Boban Samuel

Runtime

156 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Romans is a conventional comedy-thriller that follows a typical impostor storyline. The plot centers on two escaped convicts who pretend to be religious figures to blend into a rural community, emphasizing situational humor and personal redemption over social critique. The film adheres to traditional storytelling norms found in regional commercial cinema. While it delves into the intersection of criminality and religious perception, it does not aim to challenge systemic hierarchies or institutional power. Overall, the work is a character-driven piece focused on social reintegration. It lacks the intentionality needed to address progressive themes or diverse social identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Romans have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. It focuses solely on the central duo's masquerade as priests.

How does Romans portray gender?

Limited

The story centers on the male protagonists and their personal growth. It does not show any evidence of female empowerment or challenging traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Romans?

Fair

Set at the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, the film highlights a specific regional area. However, it does not explore broader racial dynamics or diverse casting.

How does Romans represent religion and culture?

Fair

Religious institutions provide a comedic backdrop for the protagonists' deception. The plot focuses on personal moral growth rather than critiquing religious institutions.

Does Romans include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative does not include any characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The plot revolves around the adventures of the two main convicts.

Present on Screen

Highlights specific regional settings at the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border.
Explores themes of personal redemption and evolving social perspectives.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Does not show any evidence of female empowerment or challenging traditional gender roles.
Does not use its religious setting to critique institutional power or oppression.

Official Synopsis

Akash and Shibu are two jail birds who escape from a train while they are being transported to a jail. They end up in a village at the Kerala – Tamil Nadu border, where they are mistaken for a pair of priests expected at the local monastery. The duo masquerade as priests, and reopen a church which has been closed for years, thereby winning over the villagers. A series of events that take place after their arrival bring about a change in their outlook towards life and society.

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