The Representation of Gender and Sexuality in Indian Cinema: A Comparative Study

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the representation of gender and sexuality in Indian cinema, focusing on how these themes have evolved over time and across different regional film industries. Indian cinema, renowned for its diversity and cultural richness, serves as a lens through which societal norms, values, and attitudes towards gender and sexuality can be examined. Through a comprehensive review of scholarly literature, film texts, and critical analyses, this study explores the portrayal of gender roles, stereotypes, and sexual identities in Bollywood as well as regional cinema such as Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali. The analysis delves into the historical context of Indian cinema and its reflection of societal changes, from the early days of silent films to the contemporary era of digital filmmaking. It examines the depiction of masculinity and femininity, the construction of gender binaries, and the subversion of traditional norms in films spanning different genres and time periods. Additionally, the study investigates the representation of LGBTQ+ characters and narratives, addressing both the progress made and the persisting challenges in portraying diverse sexual identities on screen.