Who owns womanhood? ‘Churails,’ mimicry, hybridity, and the reclamation of gender roles in postcolonial Pakistan

Abstract

In postcolonial Pakistan, gender ideology is often oversimplified through a Eurocentric feminist lens. The web series “Churails” (2020), directed by Abbasi, subverts this narrative by exploring the complexities of gender discrimination within a patriarchal society. Through the stories of four diverse women forming a covert detective agency, the series critiques consumer culture, addresses gender-based violence, and challenges colonial legacies. Employing theories of hybridity and intersectionality, “Churails” presents a nuanced portrayal of Pakistani women’s struggles and resistances. This essay positions “Churails” as a significant cultural artifact that reimagines gender roles and contributes to the discourse on gender equality in a postcolonial context, highlighting the transformative potential of popular culture in feminist resistance.