GS Paper 1
Syllabus: Arts and Culture
Source: Indian Express
Context: Cinema as a medium has incredible power in our country. The reach and impact of a movie are far wider than in any other place. Thus, it acts as a powerful tool of soft diplomacy too.
Indian Cinema – a reflection of our society:
- Promoting Indian rich culture – Classical dances, folk dances, and festivals are an integral part of Indian cinema.
- Natyam – a Telugu movie that portrays Kuchipudi classical dance.
- Social issues – Films are being produced to reflect the contemporary social and political scene.
- Bollywood Movie Sherni reflects environmental issues.
- Patriarchy: ‘Great Indian Kitchen’ Malayalam movie shows prevailing hidden discrimination and new forms of patriarchy against homemakers.
- Recognizing regional languages
- Nationalism
- Bose: Dead/Alive web series is based on the life of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose.
- War Movies – Uri, Gunjan Saxena – The Kargil Girl
- Politics and administration – Indian cinema is not only for entertainment, they are also about reality. They show Indian politics, corruption, nepotism in administration etc.
- Rajneeti’s movie portrays how political games unravel in India.
- Mythology – Mythological stories are also depicted in both north and south movies.
- Kannada movies Bhakta Prahlada and Satya Harishchandra.
- Tribal Culture: Kannada movie Kantara showing animistic practices was largely accepted by the public all over.
- Biopics: Knowing about great personalities g., Gandhi, Kapil Dev (83)
- Breaking stereotypes: Movies like English Vinglish, Hichki etc.
Insta Links:
Mains Link:
Q. Does cinema influence society or is it vice-versa? Comment in the context of Indian cinemas and society.
