Feminism and Film
An Evaluation of Bollywood films as an indicator of the evolution of Indian perspectives on women’s roles in families and society, as seen in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani (2023), Badhrinath Ki Dulhania (2017), and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.3649Keywords:
Film, Bollywood, Hindi, India, Women, Agency, Feminism, Dowry, Arranged Marriage, Rape, #MeToo, Cinematography, Society, Family, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Badhrinath Ki Dulhania, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem KahaniAbstract
The purpose of the research conducted is to evaluate the question "To what extent do Bollywood films showcase the evolution of Indian perspectives on women’s roles in families and society, as seen in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani (2023), Badhrinath Ki Dulhania (2017), and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)?". These three films were chosen due to their similar plot structure in order to represent a span of over two decades. The methology of this evaluation was the analysis of each film for cinematic elements and societal commetary, which were then related to broader trends regarding the roles of Indian women in family and society. This research found that the three films did, in fact, reflect the changing perspectives of Indian society on the role of women's agency in marriage and the workforce. The research also reflects on the increase in opposition towards social evils, such as rape and dowry, which are still present in Indian society, while noting on the limitations of this opposition. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham represents the modernized perspectives on women’s clothing in India, \, while also critiquing the idea of forced arranged marriage, but does not show developments in the economic autonomy of women, reflecting widespread perspectives of Indians in the early 2000s. Badhri Ki Duhlania excels in advocating against the practice of dowry and representing a strong female character, but does little to critique the violence and kidnappings women face in Indian society, especially during the 2010s. Rocky Aur Rani, by contrast, shows women in economic and familial leadership positions, bold discussions about the societal evil that is rape and violence against women, and body positivity, reflecting the activism and progress associated with the 2020s.
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