Society & Culture
When a film has a Dalit protagonist named Vedaa and defends the Vedas
This film exemplifies the Gandhian ‘upper caste’ saviour gaze, in which the Dalit characters, particularly women like Vedaa, remain marginalized within their own narrative. ‘Vedaa’ reflects the persistence of caste hierarchies even in the telling...
Decoding ‘Thangalaan’: A cinematic exploration of caste and colonialism
By centring the experiences of those traditionally marginalized in historical narratives, Pa. Ranjith’s latest film opens up new avenues for understanding India’s past and, by extension, its present. The impact of ‘Thangalaan’ is poised to...
Pa. Ranjith’s ‘Thangalaan’ is another compelling portrayal of the struggles of the Bahujan
The film’s masterful use of close-up shots allows a profound and intimate exploration of the characters, drawing the audience into their emotional depths with remarkable intensity, writes Neeraj Bunkar
Does today’s Indian democracy pass the Ambedkar test?
Ambedkar defined democracy as ‘a form and a method of government whereby revolutionary changes in the economic and social life of the people are brought about without bloodshed’ and laid down conditions for the successful...
Gramsci and Ambedkar’s insights into resisting fascism in the long term
Dr B.R. Ambedkar fits Gramsci’s definition of an organic intellectual. He challenged brahmanical hegemony systematically and structurally and...
Battle for ‘masawat’ in the age of majoritarianism
Considering the plight of Muslims in India in his new book, Mujibur Rehman identifies with Ambedkar’s pain when...
‘Laapataa Ladies’: A meaningful engagement with the aspirations of rural Indian women
The film serves as a springboard for further exploration, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the complexities of...
‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ ain’t the whole story
The fear of making the audience uncomfortable could be the reason the filmmaker has avoided engaging with the...
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