Dalit Representation in Telugu Cinema: An Overview

Author(s): Mahesh Kongara

Abstract:

It is no exaggeration to say that caste permeates every field in India. Film industry-particularly Telugu film industry-is no exception. Dominant castes continue to hold sway over all aspects of the Telugu film industry, from the staging of filmmaking to actors cast to releasing the movies. The kind of theme chosen more or less reflects the society from upper caste view. However, there have been a few exceptions where issues of marginalised, and more particularly Dalits, have been central themes of the films. Despite this, upper caste characters (actors) have emerged as ‘saviours’ of ‘oppressed’ lower castes in such films. More often than not, Dalit characters have been portrayed as comedians, villains, or sometimes playing second fiddle to protagonists. However, a very few films have even changed this kind of portrayal of Dalit characters, by making Dalits protagonists.

Keywords: Caste system, Dalits, Caste in Telugu Cinema, Dalits in Cinema, Dalits in Telugu Cinema, Dalits in T

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