Abstract
Cinema, being a significant component of mass media, occupies a prominent role in India, serving as one of the most influential forms of entertainment. Cinema operates as a powerful medium of communication, shaping and reflecting cultural and social identities while often embodying societal conceptions and stereotypes. The depiction of women in Indian cinema has evolved significantly over the years, significantly influencing society’s ideas and attitudes around gender roles and empowerment. In India, cinematic gender archetypes have historically reinforced conventional norms; nevertheless, contemporary cinema is experiencing a transformation in these portrayals. This study tries to analyze how Indian cinema articulates evolving gender identities, overcoming rigid binaries to offer more fluid and diverse portrayals. The study will include a thorough review of the evolution of gender perspectives from the inception of Indian film to the present day. This research will tend to analyze significant films from the past decade to explore how narratives, character development, and visual storytelling influence society’s ideas of masculinity, femininity, and queer identities. This study will employ qualitative analysis of both mainstream and independent films to elucidate cinema’s function in contesting stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, and shaping public discourse on gender identity in India. It also seeks to explore the intersections of gender with other socioeconomic issues by analyzing the complexities of changing gender portrayals in Indian cinema. This research seeks to enhance the broader discussion on gender and media, highlighting the changing relationship between cinema and identity creation across contemporary India.
