Presentation

Respected Chairman of the Viva Voce,
Prof. Dr. R. B. Chaugule,

Honourable Director of Sub-Centre, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University,

Honourable External Referee,
Prof. Dr. A. M. Salade,

Honourable Internal Referee and my Research Guide,
Prof. Dr. [De/P. Lisgane – correct name as applicable],

Respected teachers, fellow researchers, and dear friends,

I, [Your Name], feel privileged to present my PhD viva voce.

With your kind permission, I would like to begin my presentation titled:
“[Your Thesis Title]”

I request your permission to present the details of my research through PowerPoint presentation.

Thank you.

“May I have your permission to begin my presentation using PowerPoint?”

The title means that this research critically examines selected Hindi films to understand how women are represented, how they resist inequality, and how their roles have evolved over time from traditional to more empowered identities.

##############

Introduction:

Cinema is not just for entertainment; it also shows what is happening in society and even influences people’s thinking. Hindi cinema has played an important role in shaping how we see men and women in society.

In this study, I have looked at Hindi films from a feminist point of view. I have tried to understand how women are shown in films, how they face problems, how they fight against unfair treatment, and how their identity changes over time.

Even today, many films show women in traditional roles like caring mothers, dependent wives, or silent sufferers. But at the same time, some films break these stereotypes and show women as strong, independent, and capable of bringing change.

So, this study tries to closely examine both types of representation.

The feminist approach helps us understand how films have often limited women to fixed roles like sacrifice, love, or suffering. But it also helps us see those films where women question these roles and stand up for themselves.

In this study, I have selected some Hindi films from different time periods, especially between 1980 and 2022, where women are the main focus. These films show women as central characters who challenge society, fight for their self-respect, and sometimes even become symbols of courage and change.

########

The films selected for this study include Mother India (1957), where the woman is portrayed with strong moral values and inner strength.

In Mirch Masala (1987) and Lajja (2001), women emerge as powerful voices of justice and social change, often supporting each other and resisting oppression.

In Thappad (2020), the focus is on self-respect and dignity, where a woman takes a stand against normalized injustice in her personal life.

“Together, these films show the journey of women from moral strength to collective resistance and finally to self-respect and individual identity.”

##########

Statement of the Problem

Patriarchy is a system in society where men are given more power, but it does not always depend on gender. Sometimes, even women support this system without realizing it. For example, women may tell other women to stay quiet, adjust, or sacrifice for the family.

In the film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, men are shown as decision-makers—strong and in control. Women, on the other hand, are expected to stay quiet, support the family, and not question authority. A “good woman” is often shown as obedient, pure, and ready to sacrifice her dreams for others. Girls are also raised with the idea that marriage is their main goal.

In Astitva, we see that when a woman steps outside traditional roles, she faces serious consequences. This shows how society tries to control women’s behavior.

According to the idea of the male gaze, women in films are often shown as objects for men to look at. The camera focuses more on their beauty than their personality. Songs like Munni Badnaam Hui and Sheila Ki Jawani are examples where women are shown mainly to entertain, and these songs are not even connected to the story.

Also, most films show women who are urban, middle-class, and from upper castes. Stories of rural women, Dalit women, tribal women, and minorities are rarely shown.

This study tries to understand how selected Hindi films challenge these problems. Using a feminist approach, it looks at how women face struggles, fight against injustice, and deal with issues like violence and inequality. It also studies whether these films really bring change or just show it on the surface.

“My study tries to see whether films truly empower women or still follow old thinking in a new way.” do these films really challenge male-dominated thinking and support equality?”

################

Objectives of Research

The main objectives of my research are:

1. To understand how women are shown in Hindi films

I study how women are portrayed in different films.
In Mother India, Radha is shown as an ideal woman who sacrifices and follows family values.
But in Thappad, Amruta questions her husband after being slapped, showing a modern and aware woman.

2. To study how women’s roles have changed over time

I try to understand how the portrayal of women has evolved.
In Mother India and Mirch Masala, women face injustice but resist within limits.
In Lajja and Thappad, women more openly demand equality and justice.

3. To understand different roles played by women in films

I analyze how women’s roles are shown differently in each film.
In Mother India, the woman is mainly a mother—caring and sacrificing.
In Mirch Masala, women are shown as working-class and strong.
In Lajja, many different types of women are shown.
In Thappad, a modern woman values her self-respect and equality in marriage.

4. To study feminism in Hindi films

I explore how films present feminist ideas.
Hindi cinema becomes a platform to talk about women’s rights and struggles.
My study shows the journey of women from being silent sufferers in Mother India to becoming strong and outspoken in Thappad.

###########

Hypothesis

1. Patriarchy in films

Many Hindi films show women as quiet, dependent, and limited to home roles.
But some films also question and challenge this thinking.

2. Women’s resistance

Films like Mirch Masala, Lajja, Thappad, and Mother India show women fighting against injustice and gender discrimination.

3. Awareness through films

These films help people understand women’s issues like violence, inequality, and rights.
They create awareness in society.

4. Change over time

The image of women in films has changed from sacrificing and silent to strong and independent.
Women now question and challenge oppression.

5. Cinema as a medium of change

Hindi cinema has some limitations, but it also has the power to bring social change.
It shows the journey of women from sacrifice to self-respect and empowerment.

############

Methodology

This study uses a qualitative method, which means I focus on understanding ideas, meanings, and messages rather than numbers.

I have used a feminist approach to study how women are portrayed in Hindi films.

Selected Films

The films selected for this study are:

Mirch Masala
Mother India
Lajja
Thappad

These films are from different time periods, so they help me understand how women’s roles and feminist thinking have changed over time.

Film Analysis Methodology

I have used two main methods:

1. Analytical Method

I carefully study each film in detail.
I focus on:

Story and narrative
Dialogues and language
Symbols and visual images
Characters and their roles

Example:
In Thappad, I analyze how a small incident like a slap is shown as an issue of self-respect and dignity.

2. Psychoanalytical Method

I study the thoughts, emotions, and inner struggles of the characters.
I try to understand why characters behave in a certain way.
It also helps to identify hidden pressures like fear, social expectations, and conditioning.

Example:
In Lajja, the emotional struggles of women show how society controls their choices and how they react to it.

Data Sources

Primary Source:

The four selected films themselves

Secondary Sources:

Books on feminism and gender studies
Research articles and scholarly writings on cinema

“I have used a qualitative feminist approach with analytical and psychoanalytical methods to understand both the portrayal and inner experiences of women in selected Hindi films.”

############

Key Findings

1. Women’s suffering is shown as good

Many films show that women get respect by suffering and sacrificing.
It gives the idea that women should tolerate instead of speaking up.

2. Change starts because of men

In some films, women realize their worth because of men’s actions.
Example: In Thappad, Amruta understands her self-respect after the slap.

3. Change over time

Old films show women as silent and sacrificing.
New films show women speaking, thinking, and taking their own decisions.

4. Self-respect is important

Thappad shows that self-respect and dignity should not be compromised.

5. Sometimes empowerment is only for show

Some films show strong women just to attract audience, but they don’t show real problems deeply.

6. Strong example of women’s unity

Mirch Masala shows women coming together and fighting against injustice.

7. Symbols show restrictions

Things like bangles, bindi, and closed doors show how women are restricted in society and at home.

8. Women carry many responsibilities

Women are shown handling family, society, and male ego, often ignoring their own needs.

“Real change for women in cinema is happening, but it is still not complete.”

#############

Limitations of the Study

1. Limited number of films

This study is based on only four films, so it may not represent all Hindi cinema.

2. Focus mainly on women

The study mainly looks at female characters.
Less focus is given to male characters and their point of view.

3. No regional films included

Only Hindi films are studied.
Regional films, which may show different perspectives, are not included.

4. No audience response

The study focuses on film analysis.
It does not study how viewers actually understand or react to these films.

5. Different time periods

The films are from different years, so each one reflects the thinking of its own time.
Because of this, direct comparison can be slightly limited.

“My study has limitations in terms of number of films, scope, and audience analysis, but it still gives a clear understanding of women’s representation in Hindi cinema.”

#############

Scope for Further Studies

1. Include regional films

Future studies can include Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, and Assamese films.
These films can show different cultural views and women’s issues.

2. Compare with international films

Research can compare Hindi films with foreign films.
This will help understand similarities and differences in feminist ideas.

3. Study digital platforms

Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and ZEE5 show new types of bold and experimental content.
These can be studied for modern feminist representation.

4. Study audience response

Future research can include surveys, interviews, or discussions.
This will help understand how people actually think about these films.

5. Study different genres

Research can also look at genres like horror, action, and comedy.
These genres also show women in different and interesting ways.

“Future research can expand this study by including more films, different regions, audience views, and new digital content.”

############

Chapter 1: Introduction

This chapter explains how I use feminist film theory to study Hindi films.
It helps me understand how films show women through stories, camera work, and characters.
This chapter also gives a basic idea of how women-centered stories are growing in cinema.

Early Representation (1930s–1950s)

In earlier films, women were mostly shown as homemakers.
They were obedient daughters, sacrificing mothers, or devoted wives.
Women were limited to the home and rarely shown studying or working.

Changing Phase (Later Years)

Slowly, films started questioning social rules and women’s position.
Movies like Jai Santoshi Maa and Seeta Aur Geeta showed “good women” as silent and suffering.
These films had happy endings, but they did not truly empower women.

Beginning of Strong Female Voices

Films like Arth showed a woman becoming independent after betrayal.
Damini showed a woman fighting for justice.
Women were now shown as strong and capable of making their own decisions.

1990s and After

Some films still showed men as powerful and women as dependent.
But gradually, strong female characters started appearing.
Astitva questioned society’s control over women’s identity.

2000s and New Thinking

Audiences started expecting more realistic women characters.
Films like Margarita with a Straw and Lipstick Under My Burkha talked about bold topics like identity and sexuality.

Modern Representation of Women

Films like Queen, Kahaani, Pink, Neerja, Raazi, Thappad, and Chhapaak show women as independent, strong, and intelligent individuals.
These women have their own identity beyond men.

Role of Women Directors

In the 21st century, women directors have brought new ideas and perspectives.
Directors like Mira Nair, Farah Khan, Zoya Akhtar, and Meghna Gulzar have shown that women can create powerful and successful films.

“Overall, Hindi cinema has moved from showing women as silent and dependent to showing them as strong, independent, and capable of shaping their own lives.”

############

Chapter-II

Mother India, directed by Mehboob Khan, is one of the most important films in Indian cinema. It shows a woman as the moral and emotional strength of the family and even the nation.

The story is about Radha, a village woman whose husband leaves her. She has to raise her two sons alone and face many problems like poverty, floods, and social pressure. Even after so many struggles, she remains strong and does not give up.

One of the most powerful moments in the film is when Radha kills her own rebellious son for justice. This shows that she puts truth and values above her personal emotions. Because of this, she becomes like a symbol of “Mother India” or Bharat Mata.

Her strength comes from sacrifice and suffering. She always thinks about her family, village, and country, not about herself. This also shows how society believes that a “good woman” should sacrifice everything and stay devoted.

In society, girls are often raised to believe that marriage is their main goal. Their value is linked to being a good wife or mother. But in the film, characters like Kamala show courage and intelligence while facing patriarchal thinking.

Radha is shown as the main hero of the film, which was rare at that time. Still, her role is limited—she has no control over money or legal decisions. She is expected to sacrifice her comfort, youth, and happiness for her family.

Even when her husband leaves, society does not support her. She has to do the work of both mother and father. She faces disasters like floods but continues to fight with courage and determination.

For people in the 1950s, just after India’s independence, this film became a symbol of national pride. Radha’s struggle was seen as similar to India’s struggle for freedom and development.

Women saw her as a strong role model—someone who is powerful, moral, and central to society, even though she suffers a lot.

“Mother India shows a strong woman, but it also highlights how society expects women to sacrifice everything for family and values.”

##############

Chapter 3: Mirch Masala and Lajja

Mirch Masala (1987)

Mirch Masala, directed by Ketan Mehta, is set in a village before independence.

The red chillies in the film are very important. They are hot and strong, just like the anger and courage of the women. In the final scene, when women throw chilli powder on the Subedar, the chilli becomes a weapon of resistance. This shows that even everyday things used by women can become tools of power when needed.

The title Mirch Masala also connects women with kitchen work, but at the same time, it shows that women are not weak—they can fight back strongly when pushed.

The main character, Sonabai, is a strong woman. When the Subedar tries to force her, she refuses. Society thinks a woman is weak if her husband is not there, but Sonabai breaks this idea.

Most men in the village do not support women and choose to stay silent. Only Abu Mia stands with them.

Sonabai’s courage inspires other women. In the beginning, they are scared, but slowly they unite and fight together.

This film shows that when women support each other, they become powerful and can fight injustice.

Lajja (2001)

Lajja, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, talks about the condition of women in Indian society.

The story follows Vaidehi, who leaves her abusive husband and meets three women—Maithili, Janki, and Ramdulari. Each woman faces different problems like dowry, violence, and social pressure.

The title Lajja means “shame.” The film questions why women are expected to feel shame and suffer silently.

Vaidehi believes that marriage should be based on equality, not just adjustment. But society and even her father think a woman must always adjust.

Each woman in the film shows courage:

Ramdulari speaks against injustice even at the cost of her life
Maithili refuses a dowry-based marriage
Janki speaks openly about her rights

In the end, Vaidehi questions society—why do people worship women as goddesses but treat them badly in real life?

The film clearly shows that real change happens when women stand together and support each other.

“Both films show that women are not weak—when they unite, they can fight injustice and bring real change.”

########

Chapter 4: Thappad

Thappad, directed by Anubhav Sinha, is a film about a simple but powerful issue.
The word Thappad means a “slap.” In the film, one slap becomes a symbol of all the ways women are disrespected and hurt in society.

Main Idea of the Film

The story focuses on Amruta, who is a caring wife and daughter-in-law.
Her whole identity is based on taking care of others. Like many women, her own dreams and identity are ignored.

When her husband slaps her, it becomes a turning point.
She decides to leave the marriage and stand for her self-respect and dignity.

Important Message

The film shows that even a “small” act like a slap is not acceptable.
It questions why women are expected to stay silent and tolerate disrespect in marriage.

Reality Check

The film shows Amruta’s decision, but it does not fully show how she will manage financially after leaving.
In real life, many women face serious financial problems after leaving such relationships.

Different Women, Different Struggles

Sunita (house help)

She is also in an abusive marriage.
Unlike Amruta, she has no support or security.
Her situation shows how poor women suffer more because of both poverty and patriarchy.

Kalyani (Amruta’s mother)

She represents the older generation.
She believes women should tolerate pain to keep the family together.

Sulakshana Devi (husband’s mother)

She supports her son and tries to protect family reputation.
She ignores the wrong done to Amruta.

The film shows how different women think differently—
some accept patriarchy, some suffer silently, and some stand up for themselves.

“Thappad clearly shows that respect is very important, and women should not tolerate any form of disrespect, even if it seems small.”

############

Conclusion

When a woman questions traditions or chooses feminism, people often misunderstand her.
They think she is arrogant or selfish, when actually she is just asking for respect and equality.

Today’s women are stuck between two worlds—
one that tells them to follow rules quietly, and another that encourages them to think, speak, and grow.

Even if a woman studies or works, she is still expected to manage everything at home—cooking, cleaning, caring for family, and handling emotions.
Her dreams are accepted only if she can do all this perfectly, like Radha in Mother India.

Modern women are also expected to suffer silently.
If they ask for help or cannot manage everything, they are made to feel guilty, as if they are failing their duties.

Even in educated families, a “good woman” is still judged by how much she sacrifices, not how much she grows.
This is not real freedom—it is only conditional freedom.

For real change, families must start sharing responsibilities and respecting a woman’s time, energy, and emotions.

In today’s fast life, women often don’t get time for themselves.
Their mental health, self-care, and personal growth are ignored.

Change can start at home.
When mothers and mothers-in-law support younger women, understand their struggles, and stand with them instead of judging them, things improve.

If women support each other across generations, real change can happen.
Feminism can begin in small ways—through daily conversations, understanding, and support within the family.

“Real change begins at home when women support each other and share responsibilities instead of expecting silent sacrifice.”

##############

Introduction:

So, this study tries to closely examine both types of representation.

########

The films selected for this study include Mother India (1957), where the woman is portrayed with strong moral values and inner strength.

In Mirch Masala (1987) and Lajja (2001), women emerge as powerful voices of justice and social change, often supporting each other and resisting oppression.

In Thappad (2020), the focus is on self-respect and dignity, where a woman takes a stand against normalized injustice in her personal life.

“Together, these films show the journey of women from moral strength to collective resistance and finally to self-respect and individual identity.”

##########

Statement of the Problem

In Astitva, we see that when a woman steps outside traditional roles, she faces serious consequences. This shows how society tries to control women’s behavior.

Also, most films show women who are urban, middle-class, and from upper castes. Stories of rural women, Dalit women, tribal women, and minorities are rarely shown.

“My study tries to see whether films truly empower women or still follow old thinking in a new way.” do these films really challenge male-dominated thinking and support equality?”

################

Objectives of Research

The main objectives of my research are:

1. To understand how women are shown in Hindi films

I study how women are portrayed in different films.
In Mother India, Radha is shown as an ideal woman who sacrifices and follows family values.
But in Thappad, Amruta questions her husband after being slapped, showing a modern and aware woman.

2. To study how women’s roles have changed over time

I try to understand how the portrayal of women has evolved.
In Mother India and Mirch Masala, women face injustice but resist within limits.
In Lajja and Thappad, women more openly demand equality and justice.

3. To understand different roles played by women in films

I analyze how women’s roles are shown differently in each film.
In Mother India, the woman is mainly a mother—caring and sacrificing.
In Mirch Masala, women are shown as working-class and strong.
In Lajja, many different types of women are shown.
In Thappad, a modern woman values her self-respect and equality in marriage.

4. To study feminism in Hindi films

I explore how films present feminist ideas.
Hindi cinema becomes a platform to talk about women’s rights and struggles.
My study shows the journey of women from being silent sufferers in Mother India to becoming strong and outspoken in Thappad.

###########

Hypothesis

1. Patriarchy in films

Many Hindi films show women as quiet, dependent, and limited to home roles.
But some films also question and challenge this thinking.

2. Women’s resistance

Films like Mirch Masala, Lajja, Thappad, and Mother India show women fighting against injustice and gender discrimination.

3. Awareness through films

These films help people understand women’s issues like violence, inequality, and rights.
They create awareness in society.

4. Change over time

The image of women in films has changed from sacrificing and silent to strong and independent.
Women now question and challenge oppression.

5. Cinema as a medium of change

Hindi cinema has some limitations, but it also has the power to bring social change.
It shows the journey of women from sacrifice to self-respect and empowerment.

############

Methodology

This study uses a qualitative method, which means I focus on understanding ideas, meanings, and messages rather than numbers.

I have used a feminist approach to study how women are portrayed in Hindi films.

Selected Films

The films selected for this study are:

Mirch Masala
Mother India
Lajja
Thappad

These films are from different time periods, so they help me understand how women’s roles and feminist thinking have changed over time.

Film Analysis Methodology

I have used two main methods:

1. Analytical Method

I carefully study each film in detail.
I focus on:

Story and narrative
Dialogues and language
Symbols and visual images
Characters and their roles

Example:
In Thappad, I analyze how a small incident like a slap is shown as an issue of self-respect and dignity.

2. Psychoanalytical Method

I study the thoughts, emotions, and inner struggles of the characters.
I try to understand why characters behave in a certain way.
It also helps to identify hidden pressures like fear, social expectations, and conditioning.

Example:
In Lajja, the emotional struggles of women show how society controls their choices and how they react to it.

Data Sources

Primary Source:

The four selected films themselves

Secondary Sources:

Books on feminism and gender studies
Research articles and scholarly writings on cinema

“I have used a qualitative feminist approach with analytical and psychoanalytical methods to understand both the portrayal and inner experiences of women in selected Hindi films.”

############

Key Findings

1. Women’s suffering is shown as good

Many films show that women get respect by suffering and sacrificing.
It gives the idea that women should tolerate instead of speaking up.

2. Change starts because of men

In some films, women realize their worth because of men’s actions.
Example: In Thappad, Amruta understands her self-respect after the slap.

3. Change over time

Old films show women as silent and sacrificing.
New films show women speaking, thinking, and taking their own decisions.

4. Self-respect is important

Thappad shows that self-respect and dignity should not be compromised.

5. Sometimes empowerment is only for show

Some films show strong women just to attract audience, but they don’t show real problems deeply.

6. Strong example of women’s unity

Mirch Masala shows women coming together and fighting against injustice.

7. Symbols show restrictions

Things like bangles, bindi, and closed doors show how women are restricted in society and at home.

8. Women carry many responsibilities

Women are shown handling family, society, and male ego, often ignoring their own needs.

“Real change for women in cinema is happening, but it is still not complete.”

#############

Limitations of the Study

1. Limited number of films

This study is based on only four films, so it may not represent all Hindi cinema.

2. Focus mainly on women

The study mainly looks at female characters.
Less focus is given to male characters and their point of view.

3. No regional films included

Only Hindi films are studied.
Regional films, which may show different perspectives, are not included.

4. No audience response

The study focuses on film analysis.
It does not study how viewers actually understand or react to these films.

5. Different time periods

The films are from different years, so each one reflects the thinking of its own time.
Because of this, direct comparison can be slightly limited.

“My study has limitations in terms of number of films, scope, and audience analysis, but it still gives a clear understanding of women’s representation in Hindi cinema.”

#############

Scope for Further Studies

1. Include regional films

Future studies can include Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, and Assamese films.
These films can show different cultural views and women’s issues.

2. Compare with international films

Research can compare Hindi films with foreign films.
This will help understand similarities and differences in feminist ideas.

3. Study digital platforms

Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and ZEE5 show new types of bold and experimental content.
These can be studied for modern feminist representation.

4. Study audience response

Future research can include surveys, interviews, or discussions.
This will help understand how people actually think about these films.

5. Study different genres

Research can also look at genres like horror, action, and comedy.
These genres also show women in different and interesting ways.

“Future research can expand this study by including more films, different regions, audience views, and new digital content.”

############

Chapter 1: Introduction

Early Representation (1930s–1950s)

In earlier films, women were mostly shown as homemakers.
They were obedient daughters, sacrificing mothers, or devoted wives.
Women were limited to the home and rarely shown studying or working.

Changing Phase (Later Years)

Slowly, films started questioning social rules and women’s position.
Movies like Jai Santoshi Maa and Seeta Aur Geeta showed “good women” as silent and suffering.
These films had happy endings, but they did not truly empower women.

Beginning of Strong Female Voices

Films like Arth showed a woman becoming independent after betrayal.
Damini showed a woman fighting for justice.
Women were now shown as strong and capable of making their own decisions.

1990s and After

Some films still showed men as powerful and women as dependent.
But gradually, strong female characters started appearing.
Astitva questioned society’s control over women’s identity.

2000s and New Thinking

Audiences started expecting more realistic women characters.
Films like Margarita with a Straw and Lipstick Under My Burkha talked about bold topics like identity and sexuality.

Modern Representation of Women

Films like Queen, Kahaani, Pink, Neerja, Raazi, Thappad, and Chhapaak show women as independent, strong, and intelligent individuals.
These women have their own identity beyond men.

Role of Women Directors

In the 21st century, women directors have brought new ideas and perspectives.
Directors like Mira Nair, Farah Khan, Zoya Akhtar, and Meghna Gulzar have shown that women can create powerful and successful films.

“Overall, Hindi cinema has moved from showing women as silent and dependent to showing them as strong, independent, and capable of shaping their own lives.”

############

Chapter-II

Mother India, directed by Mehboob Khan, is one of the most important films in Indian cinema. It shows a woman as the moral and emotional strength of the family and even the nation.

Even when her husband leaves, society does not support her. She has to do the work of both mother and father. She faces disasters like floods but continues to fight with courage and determination.

For people in the 1950s, just after India’s independence, this film became a symbol of national pride. Radha’s struggle was seen as similar to India’s struggle for freedom and development.

Women saw her as a strong role model—someone who is powerful, moral, and central to society, even though she suffers a lot.

“Mother India shows a strong woman, but it also highlights how society expects women to sacrifice everything for family and values.”

##############

Chapter 3: Mirch Masala and Lajja

Mirch Masala (1987)

Mirch Masala, directed by Ketan Mehta, is set in a village before independence.

The title Mirch Masala also connects women with kitchen work, but at the same time, it shows that women are not weak—they can fight back strongly when pushed.

The main character, Sonabai, is a strong woman. When the Subedar tries to force her, she refuses. Society thinks a woman is weak if her husband is not there, but Sonabai breaks this idea.

Most men in the village do not support women and choose to stay silent. Only Abu Mia stands with them.

Sonabai’s courage inspires other women. In the beginning, they are scared, but slowly they unite and fight together.

This film shows that when women support each other, they become powerful and can fight injustice.

Lajja (2001)

Lajja, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, talks about the condition of women in Indian society.

The story follows Vaidehi, who leaves her abusive husband and meets three women—Maithili, Janki, and Ramdulari. Each woman faces different problems like dowry, violence, and social pressure.

The title Lajja means “shame.” The film questions why women are expected to feel shame and suffer silently.

Vaidehi believes that marriage should be based on equality, not just adjustment. But society and even her father think a woman must always adjust.

Each woman in the film shows courage:

Ramdulari speaks against injustice even at the cost of her life
Maithili refuses a dowry-based marriage
Janki speaks openly about her rights

In the end, Vaidehi questions society—why do people worship women as goddesses but treat them badly in real life?

The film clearly shows that real change happens when women stand together and support each other.

“Both films show that women are not weak—when they unite, they can fight injustice and bring real change.”

########

Chapter 4: Thappad

Main Idea of the Film

The story focuses on Amruta, who is a caring wife and daughter-in-law.
Her whole identity is based on taking care of others. Like many women, her own dreams and identity are ignored.

When her husband slaps her, it becomes a turning point.
She decides to leave the marriage and stand for her self-respect and dignity.

Important Message

The film shows that even a “small” act like a slap is not acceptable.
It questions why women are expected to stay silent and tolerate disrespect in marriage.

Reality Check

Different Women, Different Struggles

Sunita (house help)

She is also in an abusive marriage.
Unlike Amruta, she has no support or security.
Her situation shows how poor women suffer more because of both poverty and patriarchy.

Kalyani (Amruta’s mother)

She represents the older generation.
She believes women should tolerate pain to keep the family together.

Sulakshana Devi (husband’s mother)

She supports her son and tries to protect family reputation.
She ignores the wrong done to Amruta.