Films and Feminism: Essays in Indian Cinema (Second Edition)

Book Details

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Author: Jasbir Jain

• Language: English

• Edition: 2015 (Second Edition, Revised)

• ISBN: 9788131607121

• Pages: 356

• Cover: Hardcover

About the Book

Films and Feminism: Essays in Indian Cinema is a profound exploration of women’s representation in Indian cinema, covering both mainstream Bollywood and parallel cinema. The book delves into how films not only reflect societal realities but also construct and influence them, breaking barriers of class, literacy, religion, and language.

In this second edition, Jasbir Jain includes a new introduction and four additional essays, expanding the scope of feminist inquiry in film studies. The essays explore:

• The woman’s image, romance, and defiance of patriarchal norms

• Shifts in cinematic techniques and changing film audiences

• The blurring lines between alternative and commercial cinema

• Self-perception of women and evolving female narratives in cinema

While focusing primarily on Hindi films, the book also reflects on Bengali and Kannada cinema, offering a comparative lens across regional contexts. The analysis addresses topics like female agency, body politics, marriage, motherhood, social identity, and resistance against victimhood.

By combining film criticism, gender studies, and cultural analysis, this volume makes a significant contribution to the fields of film studies, feminist discourse, and Indian cultural studies. It is an essential read for students, scholars, and cinephiles seeking a deeper understanding of gender in Indian cinema.