This chapter explores the role of contemporary Indian regional cinema in tracking and addressing human rights issues. In a diverse and culturally rich nation like India, regional cinema has emerged as a powerful medium for articulating and spotlighting human rights concerns that are often overlooked in mainstream Bollywood productions. Through a comprehensive analysis of a selection of influential regional films, this study examines how filmmakers have used the cinematic platform to shed light on a range of human rights issues, including social justice, gender equality, caste-based discrimination, minority rights, and political dissent. The chapter delves into the ways in which these films employ storytelling, symbolism, and aesthetics to convey their messages and investigates the impact of regional cinema in catalyzing social awareness and change. Drawing upon examples from various Indian states and languages, this research reveals how these films have not only highlighted human rights violations but also inspired dialogue and advocacy within local communities and on a national scale. Through a multidisciplinary approach that combines film studies, human rights research and cultural studies, this chapter contributes to our understanding of the profound influence regional cinema wields in championing human rights in India. It underscores the significance of these films in amplifying voices, fostering empathy, and promoting social justice, thus demonstrating the dynamic interplay between art and activism in the context of human rights in contemporary India.

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Tracking Human Rights Issues Through Contemporary Indian Regional Cinema

  • Santosh Pathare

摘要

This chapter explores the role of contemporary Indian regional cinema in tracking and addressing human rights issues. In a diverse and culturally rich nation like India, regional cinema has emerged as a powerful medium for articulating and spotlighting human rights concerns that are often overlooked in mainstream Bollywood productions. Through a comprehensive analysis of a selection of influential regional films, this study examines how filmmakers have used the cinematic platform to shed light on a range of human rights issues, including social justice, gender equality, caste-based discrimination, minority rights, and political dissent. The chapter delves into the ways in which these films employ storytelling, symbolism, and aesthetics to convey their messages and investigates the impact of regional cinema in catalyzing social awareness and change. Drawing upon examples from various Indian states and languages, this research reveals how these films have not only highlighted human rights violations but also inspired dialogue and advocacy within local communities and on a national scale. Through a multidisciplinary approach that combines film studies, human rights research and cultural studies, this chapter contributes to our understanding of the profound influence regional cinema wields in championing human rights in India. It underscores the significance of these films in amplifying voices, fostering empathy, and promoting social justice, thus demonstrating the dynamic interplay between art and activism in the context of human rights in contemporary India.