Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part C (2023)

This research paper aims to explore the emerging trends of Dalit portrayal in Hindi cinema, with a special focus on two films Aarakshan and Masaan released in the twenty-first century and encapsulating the much-needed and long-awaited new paradigms of Dalit representation. The representation of Dalits in mainstream Indian cinema has evolved over the years, reflecting changing social dynamics and the increasing recognition of Dalit narratives. Dalit representation in Hindi cinema has also undergone significant transformations, moving beyond stereotypical roles and simplistic narratives. The films Aarakshan (2011) and Masaan (2015) stand out as examples of recent movies that have explored the Dalit experience with depth and nuance. By analyzing these two critically acclaimed movies, this paper seeks to examine the portrayal of Dalit characters, their socio-economic context, and the impact of these films on public discourse. These films depict the struggles, aspirations, and resilience of Dalit individuals in different social contexts. This research paper will analyze the portrayal of Dalit protagonists of these two movies, their agency, and the social issues they confront, shedding light on the evolving trends of Dalit representation in Hindi cinema.