Abstract
This paper employs a feminist theoretical framework to explore the intersection of gender representation and identity politics in Indian female sports films. It critically examines how sports films like Mary Kom (2012) and Panga (2022) subvert patriarchal norms and challenge conventional notions of femininity, reframing female heroism through narratives of strength, resilience, and self-determination. Drawing on Laura Mulvey’s male gaze theory, the study interrogates how these films deconstruct traditional cinematic practices that often objectify women. By foregrounding female athleticism and corporeal labor, the narratives resist commoditization, focusing instead on women’s agency and empowerment. The study also incorporates Judith Butler’s concept of gender performativity to analyze how the protagonists navigate and redefine gender roles within the traditionally masculinized domains of wrestling and boxing. The methodology adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing textual analysis to deconstruct cinematic elements such as character development, narrative structure, and visual aesthetics. Special attention is given to the portrayal of physicality and how it intersects with socio-cultural constructs like caste, class, and regional identity. Additionally, the paper examines the broader socio-political implications of these films within a globalized cultural context, exploring how they contribute to the discourse on gender equity and female empowerment. By blending feminist theories with cinematic analysis, this study seeks to demonstrate how Indian female sports films serve as both cultural artifacts and catalysts for societal change, redefining the boundaries of heroism and creating a nuanced representation of women in sports.
Presenters
Manisha PooniaResearch Scholar, Department of English and Cultural Studies, Panjab University Chandigarh, Chandigarh, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Sporting Cultures and Identities
KEYWORDS
Keywords: Cinema, Ideology, Heroism, Struggles, Female, Identity
