Reviving heroism: a critical study of the portrayal of the freedom struggles against imperialism in Indian cinema
| dc.contributor.author | Perera, J.A.D.T. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-12-16T10:11:18Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-12-16T10:11:18Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-12-19 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The interaction between cinema and history is crucial because history is not merely a record of past events but a means of understanding and influencing the present and future. One key aspect of this interaction is the portrayal of historical events on screen, highlighting cinema's dual role as a social and artistic medium. This research depicts the Indian freedom struggle against British colonial rule in cinema. The research problem examines how the Indian freedom struggle against British colonial rule has been portrayed in Indian cinema within an antiimperialist framework. The study aims to explore the impact of these films on the glorification of the freedom fighters who led the struggle, the depiction of India's socio-cultural context during the colonial period, and the preservation of national pride and collective historical memories. The study employs a qualitative approach, analyzing primary sources, including the films Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005), Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019), and Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey: We Play with Our Lives (2010). These films dramatize crucial moments of the freedom struggle. The analysis involves content scrutiny of these films, supplemented by secondary sources, such as books and research reports on the history of Indian resistance. The findings reveal that Indian filmmakers have made considerable efforts to portray and honor the heroes of the freedom struggle authentically. These films highlight the sacrifices made during the struggle and emphasize the broader fight against imperialism, while there are variations in how these struggles are depicted. The films consistently focus on themes of antiimperialism, resilience, and heroism. They also offer insights into the social and cultural environment of colonial India, depicting the erosion of indigenous cultural practices and the social pressures of religious and cultural stigmatization. In conclusion, Indian cinema has effectively captured and preserved the essence of the anti-imperialist struggle, maintaining a crucial link between past sacrifices and current freedom. This portrayal not only reinforces historical pride and continuity but also ensures that the legacy of the freedom struggle remains both vibrant and relevant. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences Research Congress (PGIHS-RC)-2024, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, P 9 | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 2961-5534 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir.lib.pdn.ac.lk/handle/20.500.14444/4905 | |
| dc.language.iso | en_US | |
| dc.publisher | Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (PGIHS), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka | |
| dc.subject | Freedom struggles | |
| dc.subject | heroism | |
| dc.subject | Indian cinema | |
| dc.title | Reviving heroism: a critical study of the portrayal of the freedom struggles against imperialism in Indian cinema | |
| dc.type | Article |