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@article{192284,
        author = {DR. SREYA CHATTERJEE},
        title = {SUBJUGATION OF WOMEN},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {9},
        pages = {850-855},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=192284},
        abstract = {This paper explores the multifaceted subjugation of women in Indian society as depicted and perpetuated by the Indian film industry. Historically, Indian cinema has served as both a mirror to societal norms and a formidable instrument of cultural conditioning. This study analyses the representation of women across various eras of Indian filmmaking, from the “Golden Age” to contemporary regional and Hindi cinema.
The research highlights how traditional narratives have often reinforced patriarchal structures by glorifying the ideals of the Sati-Savitri—the self-sacrificing, submissive wife and mother—while vilifying or objectifying women who deviate from these roles. Special emphasis is placed on the “male gaze” prevalent in commercial cinema, where women are frequently reduced to aesthetic props or victims requiring male salvation, thereby normalizing gender-based violence and systemic inequality.
Conversely, the paper also examines the recent paradigm shift led by “parallel cinema” and the emergence of female-centric narratives that challenge these archaic stereotypes. By deconstructing key films that address issues such as dowry, domestic violence and sexual autonomy, this abstract argues that while Indian movies have historically contributed to the subjugation of women, they currently possess the evolving potential to act as a catalyst for feminist discourse and social reform. The conclusion suggests that the future of gender equality in India is inextricably linked to the responsible evolution of its cinematic storytelling.},
        keywords = {Indian Cinema, Gender Inequality, Patriarchy, Objectification, Bollywood, Social Reform.},
        month = {February},
        }