This paper argues that institutionalized heteronormativity operates as a social system that impacts individuals across the gender spectrum, as manifested within Kerala society, India, through a comparative analysis of K. R. Meera’s novel Jezebel and Jeo Baby’s film Kaadhal-The Core. Both narratives depict critical perspectives on the rigid social structures and expectations that privilege heterosexuality and traditional gender roles within the region and how it regulating desire and normalizing unequal gendered roles. Jezebel victimised and suffered through her homosexual husband who forced institutionalized gendered role. In contrast, Kaadhal-The Core presents a nuanced portrayal of a same-sex relationship, highlighting the significant challenges individuals face when navigating their identities within a predominantly heteronormative society. The analysis examines how these distinct narratives converge in their critique of the pervasive pressures to conform, the resultant marginalization of those who do not, and the inherent potential for resistance and societal change. It aims to illuminate both the resilience of oppressive structures and the emergent possibilities for social transformation, offering a comprehensive understanding of how these artistic works reflect and critique contemporary Keralite society