SUBANG JAYA: Taylor’s University unveils its latest Hari Raya festive film, ‘Suami Mithali’. The film showcases thought-provoking storytelling, this time delving into yet another unexplored modern issue, which boldly challenges cultural expectations by portraying the unconventional dynamics of a modern family.
In this narrative, the husband Fauzan, traditionally viewed as the breadwinner, now takes on the role of caregiver while his wife Lyla focuses on her career. This shift is evident from the opening scene, where Fauzan prepares food for Hari Raya Aidilfitri in the kitchen. As Lyla serves the food to the guests and later returns to the kitchen to assist her husband, the guests’ murmurs escalate into audible gossip.
They question Fauzan’s role and employment status, contrasting it with Lyla’s career as the family’s breadwinner. The atmosphere becomes thick with judgement and traditional expectations, with one relative lamenting, “It should be a man’s responsibility to provide for the family.”
On the other hand, the film also sheds light on the challenges women face in balancing household responsibilities with professional ambitions. A flashback scene reveals Lyla being offered a promotion, and despite her husband’s enthusiastic support, Lyla hesitates, fearing that it could jeopardise her ability to balance work and family life. She also expresses concern about potential judgement if her husband is the one to give up his career.
At its core, the film reveals a larger issue. In a society that is quick to judge, families face significant challenges in pursuing what is best for them.
As the story unfolds, Fauzan steps in to explain that he operates a home-based business while pursuing his goal of furthering his studies. Fauzan emphasises that he contributes to the household in other meaningful ways, so Lyla can focus on her career. He concludes with a reminder that while providing for the family has been viewed as the primary responsibility of men, their role extends beyond mere financial provision.
