Gendered Modernity and Indian Cinema: The Women in Satyajit Ray's Films

This book explores the role of women in the films of Satyajit Ray, a leading filmmaker of the 'Third World' in the 1950s, in the context of the creation of national culture after India's independence. It analyzes cinematic texts with special reference to the women characters using feminist film theory and representation and studies the socio-political and economic conditions pertinent to the times. The primary texts studied are films spanning over four decades, from Pather Panchali (1955) to his last trilogy. The book examines Rays portrayal of women and their relationships with other characters, and its impact on understanding how modern India evolved in the Nehru era and after.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 124 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound examination of the role of women in the films of Satyajit Ray, a renowned filmmaker from the 'Third World' during the 1950s. Ray, hailed as a national icon in Indian filmmaking, has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. Through meticulous analysis, the book explores the portrayal of women within the context of India's journey towards national culture after gaining independence. The 1950s were a pivotal period in India, characterized by significant gender issues under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru. The enactment of inheritance and divorce laws underscored the importance of addressing gender disparities.

Satyajit Ray's portrayal of women and his films anticipate much of the theorizing of later-day feminism. This book employs a feminist film theory and representation framework to analyze cinematic texts, particularly focusing on the female characters and their relationships with other characters. The primary texts studied span over four decades, from Pather Panchali (1955) to his last trilogy. These films are categorized based on the broad feminine 'types' represented and their interactions with the broader characters in their respective socio-political contexts.

Satyajit Ray's portrayal of women has a profound impact on our understanding of how modern India evolved during the Nehru era and beyond. This book endeavors to explore the place of the woman as it is and should be in a young nation grappling with patriarchy. Gendered Modernity and Indian Cinema holds immense interest for academics specializing in World cinema, Indian and Bengali cinema, Film Studies, Gender Studies, and South Asian culture and society. It offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of gender roles.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032051727