Indian Cinema as A Medium to Redefine Narratives About Witches Built by Religion and Culture

This paper tries to examine what makes Witches an interesting topic in the contemporary arts, especially in visual medium. What personality attributes of them are making them relatable for today’s modern, educated, emancipated women and why they are emerging as global icons for women. Contemporary Indian cinema is successfully building a counter narrative to break the popular narrative established by Culture and Religion. How cinema narrative has shifted from being the victim or villain as witches. Indian cinema is a powerful tool for social reflection. It has witnessed significant transformations over the years, particularly in its portrayal of women characters. Within this paradigm shift, the portrayal of witches has evolved from stereotypical, malevolent figures to empowering feminist icons. This research paper explores the journey of witches as feminist symbols in contemporary Indian cinema, examining how these characters have come to represent strength, independence, and resistance against patriarchal norms. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of selected films, this paper delves into the nuances of these portrayals and their impact on Indian society's perception of women.