Evaluating The Dalit Representation In Indian Cinemas

The portrayal of Dalit women in Indian cinema history has been severely victimized.  Social media has emerged as a powerful tool in bringing Dalit issues to the forefront of public discourse, leading to noticeable transformations. The portrayal of Dalit women in modern cinema is undergoing a transformation, albeit at a gradual pace. A number of filmmakers from the Dalit-Bahujan community are actively producing films that shed light on Dalit issues within both regional and mainstream cinema industries, offering unique perspectives.  Noted filmmakers in the south Indian cinema include Pa. Ranjit, Mari Selvaraj, and Vetrimaaran. In Marathi cinema, NagrajManjule and BhauraoKarhade have made significant contributions. In Hindi cinema, NeerajGhaywan and NagrajManjule are also highly regarded.  Subhash Kapoor, SarthakDasgupta, and T.J. Gnanavel are among the non-Dalit filmmakers. In the past decade, there has been a significant transformation in the portrayal of Dalit women in Indian cinema. The films created by Dalit filmmakers depict Dalit women as assertive, empowered, and self-assured individuals who are well-informed about their rights, dignity, identity, and honor. They prioritize ethical considerations when constructing movies, particularly in relation to the portrayal of female bodies and social life. Places a strong emphasis on the pursuit of liberation from caste and gender inequalities, rather than dwelling on victimization. The article focuses on the evolving roles of Dalit women as depicted in Indian cinema and their impact on the Brahmanical patriarchal society, with a particular emphasis on the films made by notable Dalit filmmakers. The study explores the transformation of the portrayal of Dalit women, shifting from vulnerability to aggression, negativity to positivity, passivity to activity, and the removal of caste distinctions. The study utilizes feminist film theory to explore the evolving role of Dalit women in Indian cinema.