Kya Bollywood Analysis

Although the phenomenon of women-oriented movies is not entirely new in Bollywood, earlier, it was a rare exception. Issues perceived as women’s problems formed the crux of ‘alternative or parallel cinema’ of the 1950s and 1960s era. The New Cinema Movement of the 1970s was an attempt to bridge the two worlds of popular and art cinemas. This time saw the churning of many women-oriented movies in Bollywood. But, some success in popular cinema of such movies saw the light of the day only during 1990s. 2000 was a decade which marked the making of some groundbreaking women-oriented movies. All this forms the base of the making of such movies from the year 2011 onwards. However, to establish the current theme of sexuality in Bollywood with regard to women-oriented movies, it is important to map the significant themes covered in the previous eras.

Although the list is not exhaustive, yet it indicates …show more content…
The film revolves around a domestic wife in a patriarchal set-up, neglected by her cheating husband. It is groundbreaking as it sought to tread the stigmatized space of an adulterous wife but not as a victim. The movie Kya Kehna (2000) marked the return of the bubbly but naïve heroine. Her immaturity is apparent as she has to deal with pre-marital pregnancy. Lajja (2000) was another movie which portrayed women as victims of patriarchy, caste and class. In the same vein, Chandni Bar (2001) victimized the image of a prostitute. Movies demonstrating the struggle and the ensuing empowerment of women were Phir Milenge (2004), Page 3 (2005), Dor (2006). Chak De! India (2007) explores the issues of gender disparity juxtaposed across class, regional and ethnic prejudices. All this is overcome with the help from the male coach who ‘disciplines’ them. Portraying the flipside of the fashion world, the movie Fashion (2008) revolves around the story of a supermodel incapable of handling her own