Author: Subhiksha, M
Publication Year: 2025
Keywords: thesis
Abstract: This study conducts a textual analysis of the portrayal of women characters in Tamil cinema, focusing on twenty blockbuster films released during the period of a decade 2011 to 2020, among which five movies are of womencentric category. These women-centric films were picked from the list of movies released during the decade, spanning between 2011 and 2020, including that of the blockbuster category, While focusing on gender representation, it is very important to ensure that stereotype repentance is avoided. After a thorough exploration of all the movies, the women-centric movies were shortlisted to five from the list of blockbuster films. The process of sensing and examining the vital factors like public response, critical views of praise and ridicule, the distinctive women representation was brought into the fold. Using purposive sampling, the study ensures a diverse representation of narratives and filmmaking styles from the select movies and meticulous care was taken to avoid the movies that comprise the same heroes and directors. The selected films are thoroughly analyzed to explore how women are depicted, particularly in terms of agency, character development, and their role within the narrative. The findings reveal a complex landscape where traditional gender norms persist, with women often portrayed in secondary or supportive roles, reinforcing societal expectations. This may otherwise be observed as a circle that prevent a creator step beyond it so that the women centric films, however presented in an off-beat genre, contain the essence of norms that lead most of these types of films give a stereotype feel. However, there is a gradual shift towards more nuanced and empowering portrayals, particularly in women-centric films where women characters display greater autonomy and depth, as odds out of the adopted routines. The study highlights the evolving attitudes towards gender representation in Tamil cinema and suggests that while progress is being made, traditional stereotypes still influence
many portrayals, directly or indirectly. This analysis contributes to the broader discourse on the on-screen representation of gender in Indian cinema and provides a foundation for future research on the impact of cinematic representations of women, that would reflect on societal attitudes.
University: SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Shodh Ganga Link: View Thesis
Category: Film Studies
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