The Construction of Identities and Resistance Through Film Narratives: A Study on Mari Selvaraj's <i>Maamannan</i> (2023)

ABSTRACT This article's purpose is to explore the cinematic portrayal of Dalit empowerment and resistance in Mari Selvaraj's Maamannan (2023). The film investigates the intricacies of Dalit identity, resilience, and social mobilization, offering a compelling narrative that challenges established norms and prejudices. The research tries to respond to the question of how Maamannan (2023) aims to portray the evolution of Dalit characters from marginalized subjects into empowered agents. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from film studies and Dalit studies to answer the research question of how Maamannan (2023) employs visual storytelling techniques, character development, and narrative structure to depict the complex journey of Dalit individuals striving for empowerment and justice in a deeply stratified society. This research highlights the significance of Maamannan (2023) as a cinematic representation of Dalit empowerment and resistance, shedding light on the transformative power of cinema in advocating social justice and equality. This paper adopts a semiotic analysis of the film as a research methodology to examine the story elements such as narrative structure, character, and plot. The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing discourse on representation, identity, and activism in contemporary Indian cinema.