Silhouettes of Speech: Unravelling Linguistic Identity in Hindi Cinema's North-East Narratives

Language plays a notable role in shaping the identity of characters and the overall narrative in cinema. The use of language in films can be seen as a tool for constructing and representing identity and exploring cultural and social issues. This paper will explore the relationship between language and identity in films, drawing on various studies and research. One of the key aspects of language and identity in films is the representation of marginalized groups of Northeast India. This paper focuses on three specific films, namely ‘Mary Kom’ (2014), ‘Axone’ (2019), and ‘Anek’ (2022), which are based in Northeast India. The study investigates how these films contribute to understanding the region’s linguistic diversity and cultural exchange. The study unravels the diversity of the Northeastern language and culture. It highlights the significance of studying Hindi films based in Northeast India to comprehend the complexity of linguistic identities. The portrayal of Northeast India in Hindi films is critically analyzed, particularly emphasizing the linguistic identities depicted. The languages spoken in these films and their presentation of the region’s linguistic diversity are examined. The use of dialects, accents, and local languages in creating authenticity and capturing cultural nuances is also explored. The study delves into the influence of Hindi films on shaping linguistic identities and promoting cultural exchange in Northeast India.