The story so far
Mainstream Hindi films often ignore Dalit-Bahujan identities and focus on elites.
These films rarely question caste injustice and support traditional power structures.
Cinema is not used enough as a tool to challenge social issues or promote creativity.
The arrival of Dalit-Bahujan cinema
New films are starting to show strong Dalit-Bahujan characters and social issues.
Movies like Article 15, Dhadak, Shamshera, and Veda are breaking old norms.
Regional cinema (Tamil, Marathi) already leads in showing caste struggles (Sairat, Kabali, Asuran).
These films show Dalit-Bahujan people with dignity, not just as background figures.
They create space for a more equal and honest film culture.
Upper casteist opposition
Figures like Phule and Ambedkar were anti-caste reformers, but often sidelined in films and history.
Films that promote Dalit-Bahujan values, like Phule, face censorship.
Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) removed caste-specific terms like “Mahar” and “Peshwai” and scenes showing Dalit oppression.
At the same time, movies targeting minorities are encouraged, showing a clear bias.
This shows an effort to block cinema that challenges caste-based dominance.
The struggle for representation
Most mainstream film characters reflect upper-caste identities and values.
Films that try to challenge this, like Phule and Dhadak 2, face resistance.
CBFC’s censorship decisions reflect control by social and political elites.
The push for fair representation and freedom of expression in cinema is still ongoing.
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