Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Indian cinema has historically played a pivotal role in shaping and reflecting societal norms,particularly in the context of gender roles. Over the decades, its portrayal of men and womenhas undergone a significant transformation—from rigid, stereotypical depictions to morenuanced and balanced representations. This research paper explores the evolution of genderrole portrayals in Indian films, tracing the journey from traditional tropes of submissivewomen and dominant men to modern narratives that celebrate individuality, equality, andcomplexity in characters. By analyzing shifts in character arcs, storylines, and audienceperceptions, this study sheds light on the factors driving this change, such as feministmovements, economic shifts, global cinematic influences, and changing audienceexpectations.The research incorporates statistical data, historical trends, and case studies of landmark filmsto provide a comprehensive overview of this transformation. It examines key milestones inIndian cinema's journey, highlighting how these films have not only mirrored societalchanges but also served as a catalyst for challenging conventional gender norms. From theera of Mother India (1957) to contemporary films like Queen (2014) and Gunjan Saxena: TheKargil Girl (2020), this paper illustrates how cinema has become a powerful medium to fosterconversations about gender equality.This study underscores the interplay between cinema and society, emphasizing how evolvingdepictions of gender roles in films contribute to reshaping societal perceptions and attitudes.While progress has been made, the paper also identifies ongoing challenges, offering insightsinto future avenues for research and the potential impact of cinema in advancing genderequity.Fig 1:
Author: Apeksha Dubey
Institution: Bundelkhand University
Language: English
Subfield: Visual Arts and Performing Arts
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4409895415