Representation of female characters in movies

“Cinema is a weapon. For the reason, it must be fought for.” -Augusto Boal

Cinema has not only been a source of entertainment but also a gateway to the future, a means to understand the past and a mirror reflecting our present. It is a unique weapon which has helped the humankind to get past great wars. But today, rather than being a weapon of choice, it has instead become a means of war.

Despite movies being the largest source of entertainment in India, there is a single commonality in every movie released - female characters are mere an accessory in the plot rather than being an integral part of the story. Earlier, mythological stories such used to be a tool of inspiration for writers and hence male and female characters were presented as the same. This is not the situation today and writers need to move on from misogynistic male and helpless female representation. Another reason is the lack of female writers in the industry which leads to portrayal of female characters from male’s point of view. Indian cinema has seen female characters take on different roles from “abla nari” (damsel in distress) to “sati parvati” (virtuous wife) to “phataka” (sexual object) but hardly as a being of its own. However, today we see come commendable movies such as “English Vinglish”, “Thappad”, “Khaani”, “Queen”, “Tumahri Sulu” and many sharing female’s narrative and portraying strong, independent female characters. 

Still the change as not come as we still see middle aged male actors being paired with 20-something female actors in majority of the movies. Here the question arises that why is Indian cinema romanticizing the idea of a female as the one who is young, thin and desirable. Moving on, not only the casting is a matter of issue that needs to be solved but also the unequal pays between male actors and female actors a dire problem. According to a survey conducted in 2020, even the A-list female actors het paid 40-45% less than their male co-stars. Many actors such as Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Deepika Padukone, Aditi Rao Hydri, Sail Ali Khan and Ajay Devgan had voiced their concerns on the same, still, pay parity can’t be achieved in a day. The fact that movies are sold on the male co-stars can’t be ignored at the same time. Hence, the profit driven filmmakers are always a bit skeptical to have women centric films. Still, the job lies in the hands of the viewers as well to break this vicious cycle.

Why is equal representation necessary?

Films are a great tool to play with human emotions and thoughts. Consequently, it’s only fair that the emotions and thoughts of all the genders are portrayed and not just one. Female characters have been heavily under-represented since years and accordingly changes need to be made in order to have a progressive cinema. Time has gone where the girls used to wait for their Prince Charming since today, girls are dreaming of living their own adventures. Writers and directors need to brace themselves since the moment has arrived where the reel needs to catch up with the reality. For, cinema is a powerful weapon and we need to fight for the ownership.

- Mahek Shah