Indian Cinema & Social Change

Considers the transnational purchase, aesthetic, and civic sensibilities of Indian cinema focusing on Hindi-language films. Review begins with emergence of Indian cinema in 1890s, then considers how social change became a driving force during anti-colonial resistance and nationalist reform. Course focuses on the post-independence (1947-) period, when social justice activism enters the mainframe of 'Bollywood' film. Core inquiry centers on how the cinematic imaginary of India perceives faultlines in Indian society and expresses its social voice. Themes include caste, gender, sanitation, poverty, successfulness, religious fundamentalism, ageism, and sexuality.