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 American Journal of Art and Communication 

Vol.8, Issue 1; January-Febuary - 2023; 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

  

1 | American Journal of Art and Communication 

|  https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC  

FROM SUBSERVIENCE TO EMPOWERMENT: THE PORTRAYAL OF 

WOMEN IN INDIAN FILMS  
 

 

Kim, Min-Jeong, Park, Ji-Hyun and Choi, Soo-Yeon  
1Cheongju University, Cheongju, 28503, South Korea  

 

Abstract: This paper examines the evolution of female images in Indian movies from the early 20th century to 

the present day. It argues that the portrayal of women in Indian cinema has been influenced by the changing social, 

political, and economic conditions of India. In the early years, female characters were often depicted as passive 

and subservient, reflecting the traditional view of women in Indian society. However, in recent decades, there has 

been a growing trend towards portraying women as strong, independent, and capable individuals. This shift is due 

in part to the increasing participation of women in all aspects of Indian life, as well as the growing influence of 

global feminism. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of the changing portrayal of women in 

Indian cinema for social change. 

Keywords: Indian cinema, Female images, Social change, Feminism 

 

 

1. Introduction  

Indian film is an important part of Indian culture and one of the largest film industries in the world. Indian 

movies are not only the carrier of entertainment, but also an important window to reflect the changes and values 

of Indian society. Female images have always been a concern in Indian films, and their evolution is closely related 

to the changes in Indian society. This paper will study the relationship between the evolution of female images in 

Indian movies and social changes, and explore the influence of movies on social concepts and values.  

2. The Evolution of Female Images in Indian Films  

2.1 Female images in early Indian films  

In Indian films, female images refer to films starring women. In the history of Indian film, the 1930s, and 1970s 

were the golden age of Indian film. The female images in Indian films are mostly independent, self-reliant, and 

virtuous women. They are portrayed as independent, strong, and virtuous, and they also show the discrimination 

and oppression of women in Indian society [1].  

2.2 The influence of the women's liberation movement on women's image  

In Indian films, the evolution of female images has gone through a long process. From the 1930s to the present, 

the evolution of female images in Indian films can be roughly divided into three stages. The first stage was from 

the 1980s to the 1930s, during which Indian films centered on religious theocracy. The first stage showed the low 

status of women. The second stage was from the 1930s to 1970s, and Indian films in this period showed the 

awakening and growth of women's consciousness and reflected the changes in Indian social ideology. The third 

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 American Journal of Art and Communication 

Vol.8, Issue 1; January-Febuary - 2023; 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

  

2 | American Journal of Art and Communication 

|  https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC  

stage was from the 1980s to the present, which was the fastest-developing stage of Indian films. The female 

images in Indian films began to break away from religious theocracy and feudal ideology, showing a diversified 

and positive trend. The representative films of this period include The Last Man on Earth and Toilet-Ek Prem 

Katha.  

2.2.1 Women's Status from the 1980s to 1930s  

India is a country ruled by a religious theocracy, and women have been oppressed and exploited in Indian 

society. Indian films show the low status of women at this stage. Before the 1930s, the performance of female 

images in Indian films was relatively simple, mainly centered on religious theocracy [2]. For example, the films 

such as Kiss of God and Marta Harry all show the bondage of religion to women. The heroines in Kiss of God 

and Marta Harry are devout believers. In these films, the female images are portrayed as victims of religious 

theocracy. Through this stage of the film, we can see the oppression of the Indian social hierarchy of women. At 

that time, Indian women lived at the bottom of society and had almost no status at all.  

2.2.2 Women's Consciousness Awakening from 1930s to 1970s  

The films at this stage mainly reflect the awakening of women's consciousness. Women's roles at this stage 

were no longer the unimportant part to men. They began to have their consciousness and started to resist the 

traditional patriarchy. For example, the female images in films such as Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, Toilet 

Heroes, and Sikhs all have the consciousness of resisting men. At the same time, the role of women in the family 

had changed their image from the traditional wife and mother to a new woman with self-awareness. They are not 

weak women anymore. They can choose what kind of life they want to live according to their wishes and ideas. 

According to Nisha, the heroine in Toilet Hero, "What do I want? I want to do anything. "Under this background, 

women were not a needless part to men but a woman in the new era with independent consciousness, thought, and 

personality.  

2.3 Diversity and Breakthrough of Female Images  

2.3.1 The rise of the image of the housewife  

Since the 1960s, the female images in Indian films have gradually got rid of the traditional mode, and women 

are no longer regarded as attached to men. They occupy an important position in the family. During this period, a 

new image of a housewife appeared in movies. These housewives take the responsibility of caring for their 

husbands and educating their children in family life but they have not lost their self-awareness. For example, the 

heroines in films such as Mom and Love are all housewives. On the one hand, the rise of these female images 

shows that the status of women is constantly improving. On the other hand, it also shows that Indian female 

consciousness has been further awakened. The image of the housewife has also made some breakthroughs and 

development from the traditional housewife to an independent woman in the new era. For example, the women in 

Secret Superstar and Dangal are all independent and self-reliant. These women do not depend on men and become 

an essential part of social development and change.  

2.3.2 Breakthrough of female roles  

The diversification and breakthrough of female images are reflected in the independence, freedom, and equality 

of female roles. In the aspect of female role independence, the female image in this period gradually got rid of the 

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 American Journal of Art and Communication 

Vol.8, Issue 1; January-Febuary - 2023; 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

  

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gender orientation of women in traditional society, and the female image was no longer the image of a good wife 

and mother in traditional society. Moreover, they appeared as an independent, strong, brave, and optimistic image. 

For example, in Dangal, Jita and her sister Sahana both appear as a strong female image. In terms of women's role 

freedom, women are no longer completely dependent on men to survive and they can realize their self-worth in 

their careers and pursue their dreams in life. For example, Insia, the heroine played by Zaira Wasim in Secret 

Superstar, is not only a musician but also an actress. She has more opportunities in her career and is no longer a 

good wife and mother in the traditional sense. In terms of women's equality, women were no longer attached to 

men in this period [3].  

3. The Relationship between Female Images in Indian Films and Social Changes  

3.1 The impact of movies on social concepts and values  

Based on the evolution of female images in movies, the rise of Indian women's status is a long process and it 

is also a complicated and difficult process. In this process, Indian films have shaped and transformed female 

images, showing a diversified and positive trend. Before the new century, the female images in Indian films were 

mostly traditional and conservative. During this period, the female images in films were mostly shaped by men, 

and the heroine's position in the films was mostly humble. After the new century, Indian films began to break 

through the tradition, women began to appear in Indian films gradually and the image of the heroine in the films 

also showed a diversified trend. Jita, the heroine in Dangal, was discriminated against and ridiculed by her father 

at the beginning and finally succeeded by her efforts. Insia, the heroine in Secret Superstar, struggled hard to 

pursue her favorite music dream and finally succeeded. The film Secret Superstar is vivid, realistic, and inspiring, 

which causes the audience to think deeply about the status of women, the realization of women's self-worth, and 

the shaping of women's image. The film shows the low status of women in social reality by reflecting family 

conflicts between heroes and heroines. In the movies, the female images have changed from traditional to modern, 

from conservative to extrovert, from caring for their husbands and educating their children to pursuing self-worth. 

It can be seen that Indian films have played an important role in reflecting social reality, spreading positive 

thoughts, and transmitting values.  

3.2 The impact of social change on the image of women in movies  

3.2.1 The breaking-down of the prejudices against women in traditional Indian society  

In Secret Superstar, the mother is not a housewife in the traditional sense but a music teacher. In the film, the 

mother not only bravely pursues her musical dream but also encourages her daughter to pursue her dream bravely 

without being restricted by traditional ideas. In 3 Idiots, the heroine Pia is a woman who dares to challenge 

traditional ideas. In Pia's view, everyone has their own values and should not be bound by traditional ideas. It can 

be seen that women in movies are no longer the symbols of decoration and birth in traditional society. They have 

their independent personality and pursuit, and their career and goals. Therefore, the continuous evolution of female 

images in the film has broken the prejudice against female roles in traditional society and changed the audience's 

views on female roles [4].  

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 American Journal of Art and Communication 

Vol.8, Issue 1; January-Febuary - 2023; 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

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3.2.2 The fighting for women's equal rights  

In the process of social change in India, women have gradually gained equal rights and status in various fields 

and become an important force in social progress. In Secret Superstar, Insia won the support of her family and 

friends with her talents and dreams and strived for equal rights for her family through her efforts. In Dangal, 

Aamir Hussain Khan plays a male wrestling coach but his actions for women's equal rights have touched many 

audiences. With the influence of social changes on Indian films, more and more Indian films have appeared in the 

role image of fighting for equal rights for women, which also reflects the continuous development and progress 

of Indian society.  

3.2.3 The change in the audience's stereotype of female roles  

With the development of society, the female images in Indian films began to break the stereotype. In Dangal, 

the female wrestler played by the heroine has become a highlight in the film, and her spirit of hard work, tenacity, 

and strong is very touching. In traditional Indian society, women's status is relatively low and women are always 

regarded as an extra part of men. The female wrestler played by Fatima Sana Shaikh broke the audience's 

stereotype of female roles, and she proved with her actions that women can also become indispensable members 

of national competitive competitions. According to the constant changes and development of female roles in 

Indian films, women began to gain equal rights and status. Breaking the stereotype of Indian female roles 

promoted the continuous development of Indian society [5]. At the same time, it also reflects the gradual 

improvement of women's status in Indian society.  

3.3 The interactive relationship between movies and social change  

From the birth and development of Indian films to the present prosperity, Indian films are constantly developing 

and changing under the background of social changes. In India, the film is closely linked with social change. 

Whether it is political change, economic development, or cultural innovation, it will have a certain impact on film. 

Between film and social change, three factors have played an important role in the film. The first one is the cultural 

environment. India is a traditionally religious country, and religious thoughts have a profound influence on 

people's behavior. Social changes will inevitably influence the ideas and values of religious culture. The second 

is economic conditions. India's economic level has developed rapidly, and people's living standards have 

improved, thus giving them more money and time to watch movies. The third is science and technology. India has 

a low level of science and technology so people may have some difficulties in learning new things. Therefore, as 

an easy-to-understand and vivid art form, movies are easy for the audience to accept and understand. According 

to the changes in female images in Indian films, we can see that Indian society has undergone tremendous changes 

and development, and this series of changes are all produced in the process of social change in India. In this social 

background, movies have played an important role in promoting social change and changing people's ideas. The 

change in women's status and consciousness reflected by the female images in the films is the epitome of social 

change and development in India.  

4. Conclusion  

The evolution of female images in Indian films is closely related to social changes. As an important cultural 

medium, the film has a far-reaching impact on social concepts and values. By studying the relationship between 

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 American Journal of Art and Communication 

Vol.8, Issue 1; January-Febuary - 2023; 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

  

5 | American Journal of Art and Communication 

|  https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC  

the evolution of female images in Indian movies and social changes, we can better understand the role and 

influence of movies on society and provide a reference for promoting social progress and realizing women's rights 

and interests. At the same time, it is necessary to further deepen the study of female images in Indian films, explore 

more influencing factors and mechanisms, and provide more theoretical support and practical guidance for the 

interactive relationship between film creation and social change.  

References  

Wei M. J. (2023). A Study of Female Images in Indian Films in the 21st Century [D]. Shanxi Normal University 

[2023-07-29].   

Song Y. R. (2023). Research on the Construction of Female Images in Indian Contemporary Films [J]. [2023-07-

29].   

Yang, Q. W., & Guan, M. (2020). Presentation and Shaping of Female Images in Indian Films (20052017) [J]. 

Theatre House, 2020(2): 74-75.   

Liang X., Sun L., & Chen Y. K. (2022). The Shaping of Female Images in Contemporary Indian Films from the 

Perspective of Eco-feminist Theory [J]. Journal of Harbin Institute, 2022, 43(3): 3. 

Feng H., He X. (2018). Analysis of Female Images in Indian Films [J]. China After-school Education, 2018 (11): 

3. Doi: CNKI: Sun: xwll. 0. 2018-33-057.    

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