Indian cinema has existed for more than 100 years. However, some preconceptions never change. The same old stereotypes still exist about some communities. I’ll start with the Sikhs, who are depicted in Indian films as noisy, alcoholic, violent and foodie. Are all Sikhs the same? No, that’s not true. But all the four traits are seen in any Sikh that you see in an Indian film.
Another widespread prejudice is the stereotype of Muslims as terrorists. It is the most common and regular component of Indian films. Any criminal, terrorist or unpleasant person is shown as Muslim. As a result, it is a common misconception that Muslims are violent and fanatical.
The issue of gender discrimination has existed for a long time. The same thing applies in Indian film as well. However, there are films that challenge stereotypes. But discrimination against women persists throughout Indian cinema. In every movie you watch, a girl’s room is always decorated in pink. A girl’s favorite toys would be dolls. Guns and automobiles are used to entertain the boys. When the hero is kidnapped by an adversary the hero must step in and rescue the heroine. And most films are dominated by men, with the heroine often playing a supporting role and the protagonist taking center stage.
Linguistic bias is ubiquitous in society. This is also true of Indian films. A Bihari person will have a distinctive Bihari accent while speaking any language. He will lack the ability to speak English well. He will be confused by the variations in s, z and j.
Stereotyping is an issue because it creates prejudice against certain groups of people, violence against women, communal hatred, propaganda and other negative consequences. This results in misunderstandings regarding both individuals and groups. Due to the teasing and objectification of women by male characters, women are increasingly seen as sexual objects and objects.
The important thing to remember is how much Indians are influenced by movies. Be it in the context of conduct, perception, or what we refer to as “dialogue”. Every week, thousands of people use cinemas to distract from their problems. Manufacturers now have a duty to use common sense.
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