What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to analyze the representation of Dalit women in Hindi cinema, focusing on the film 'Bandit Queen'.

March 21, 2026

Portrayal of Dalit Women in Hindi Cinema: A Case Study on Movie “Bandit Queen”

Key Points

The research aims to analyze the representation of Dalit women in Hindi cinema, focusing on the film 'Bandit Queen'.
Conducted a case study on the film 'Bandit Queen'.
Performed content analysis to explore themes and representations of Dalit women.
Examined the socio-political context surrounding the portrayal of Dalit characters.
'Bandit Queen' effectively illustrates the struggles of Dalit women within a patriarchal society.
The film highlights the intersectionality of caste and gender injustices.
Representation of Dalit women in the film reveals deep-rooted socio-political issues in Indian society.

Abstract

AbstractPurposeCinema traditionally plays an important role in bringing Social changes as it has momentous influence on its audiences. They are not just artistic endeavors, but also a representation of the prevailing socio-political structures and ideologies in the country. Indian society is considered as a patriarchal society where women are oppressed. From ‘Mother India’ (1957) to ‘Mom’ (2017), the struggle of women in this male dominated society has often been portrayed through women protagonists in Hindi films. Women Centric movies make a vital point about women that plurality of female experiences is vibrant and it resists neat categorization. The Indian caste system, on the other hand, is another critical issue of Indian society which is prevailing since ages. Lower castes, especially Dalits (the untouchables) are often gets deprived of their legitimate rights by the upper castes which create social agony and disturb the social harmony. When it comes to Dalit women, they are subjected to double injustice both as Dalit and women.Design/methodology/approachThis Research is an attempt to understand how the Dalit women are portrayed in Hindi Cinema. The researcher will do a case study and content analysis of the 1993 movie - “Bandit Queen” directed by ace director Shekhar Kapur, which is considered as an epitome in portraying Dalit women's struggle in Hindi Cinema.FindingsThis research is an attempt to understand how the Dalit women are portrayed in Hindi cinema. The researcher will do a case study and content analysis of the 1993 movie - ‘Bandit Queen’ directed by Sekhar Kapur, which is considered as a epitome in portraying Dalit women's struggle in the Hindi cinemas.Originality/value‘Bandit Queen’ is a cinematic representation of the life of infamous Bandit of Chambal, Phoolan Devi. Directed by the ace director Shekhar Kapur, the movie was released in the year 1994. The movie was based on the book “India's Bandit Queen: The true story of Phoolan Devi” by Mala Sen.

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