Cinema and Movies
The cinematic medium is frequently referred to be a society’s mirror. The upheavals, social movements, shifting trends, and enduring traditions in a culture are frequently reflected in the films produced by that nation or group. When films address and criticise an evil and push people to think on terrible traditions that exist among them, they can be a forerunner of change.
Hindi Cinema
When we look at the history of Hindi film, we can plainly see how each era had its own set of characters and tales. Young jobless Indians battle for survival in the post-independence age of Nehruvian socialist films, but adhere to the idealism and hope characteristic of a nascent nation. Raj Kapoor’s Awara, Shri 420, encapsulated the feeling and fight, yet remained unwavering in their support for values and righteousness. This idealistic tendency opened the way for the 1970s’ rebellious streak, which gave rise to the famous angry young man. Amitabh Bachchan portrayed the rebellious young India who was fed up with idealism, disillusioned with the system, and hungry for achievement by any means possible in a slew of films. In the 1990s, films openly depicted the influence of liberalisation on the emergence of a new generation of well-off, brand-conscious urban middle class.
It can be said that there is a lot of churning in Indian society now when it comes to the position of women. Are women only the family’s honour bearers? What is expected of a professional woman both at work and at home? Is a woman’s identity related to her husband’s? What makes prostitution survive if it is a bad profession? All of these questions are being asked more frequently than ever before.
Mental Well-Being with Cinema
The audience and cinema have a direct relationship. Sometimes movies are based on true events, and other times, events occur as a result of the influence of a specific film. It’s a two-way street. In the same way, psychological, mental, and social well-being are all entwined in the glamorous world of Hindi cinema.
Mental health is something that should not be overlooked. It is one of the most important parts of a person’s total well-being. A person’s mental and psychological well-being is affected by a number of basic and common disorders. Depression, anxiety, stress, sorrow, and family upheaval are just a few of them. Unwarranted mental and psychological stress can occur as a result of social pressures.
Women typically require emotional and psychological support and boost when juggling various tasks, breaking societal conventions, and coping with rushing emotions. A kind remark from the boss, a word of encouragement from the spouse, or a symbol of unwavering family support may make a tremendous psychological impact in women’s life. Some strong and inspirational stories can also provide an emotional boost and lead to a life transformation.
The portrayal of women in Indian film through the years reveals a lot about their status and power (or lack thereof) in Indian culture. Objectifying women, portraying them as worthless second fiddles, or worse, just utilising them to fill the requisite song and dance routine has been a frequent charge levelled at Indian movies, particularly the Hindi Film Industry, also popularly known as Bollywood.
Transformation in Hindi Cinema
Despite its sexist tendencies, Indian film has also succeeded in depicting a number of strong female characters who have inspired a generation. Later films like as Bhumika, Arth, Prem Rog, Damini, and others took a more sympathetic and nuanced portrayal of women, even if Mother India had a tremendous psychological and emotional influence on its age.
In recent years, a slew of female-oriented Hindi films has also raised relevant issues. Chandni Bar, Lajja, Fashion, No One Killed Jessica, and more recently, The Dirty Picture, Kahani, and Mardani, all represent strong women who courageously selected their own paths and lived on their own terms.
Cinema, as an effective medium for society, is particularly very powerful, and the representation of strong and prominent leading woman on-screen not only spreads positive sentiments among the audience, but also shapes the personalities of hundreds of women throughout the world. Hindi filmmakers have a big obligation to present their characters in a way that makes the world a better place. As a result, we need more strong female characters that will empower women on a national and worldwide level, either directly or indirectly.