Caste in contemporary Bollywood movies: An analysis of the portrayal of characters

Abstract

Abstract Caste, an integral part of the Indian social system, has extensively influenced all walks of life. The media is not an exception for the persuasion of caste. The depiction of caste as a social reality is central to Indian cinema since its early years. However, there is a lack of studies examining the depiction of the caste system in mainstream Bollywood movies. In the present study, we have critically analyzed mainstream commercial Bollywood movies to understand: (i) How it depicts the caste system? (ii) What are the explicit or implicit indicators of castes in mainstream movies? (iii) How they reinforce or validate existing caste stereotypes? Using certain inclusion and exclusion criteria, 22 highest-grossing movies of the period 2014–2017 were selected. Analyses of the selected movies suggested that the majority of the lead characters carry surnames representing dominant castes, and the portrayal of characters was made in accordance with the traditional caste-based occupations. Further, the characterization is reinstating and upholding the dominant caste values. The narratives of the Dalits and backward castes are neglected in mainstream cinema. The subalternity appended with them has intentionally hidden, and these castes are treated unworthy to the cinematic portrayal.