Reframing disability narratives: A critical analysis of visual impairment through mainstream cinema

More than a hundred years have passed since the first-ever full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, was released in 1913. During its journey, Indian cinema, particularly Hindi films, has passed through various phases from the silent era to talkies, from black and white to colour, from mythology to patriotic films, and from formula to art films. Hindi cinema, or Bollywood, has always been popular worldwide. Cinema in India has always been perceived as a larger-than-life medium, which makes viewers cherish moments being watched on the silver screen. Cinema has become the voice of society, where viewers get the chance to watch and experience the social environment, and it’s changing paradigms. Cinema has portrayed varied narratives from society. Viewers relate to the narratives being shown on the big screen with their own life experiences. Disability is an aspect of society represented by cinema. For decades, a positive shift has been seen in the portrayal of differently abled individuals in mainstream cinema. Contemporary filmmakers have started taking necessary actions during research and scriptwriting to showcase a credible and authentic representation of differently abled persons on screen. Films like "Margarita with a Straw" (2014), "Barfi" (2012), and "Hichki" (2018) have received critical acclaim for their sensitive and nuanced portrayals of differently-abled characters. These films focus on the individual abilities and aspirations of the main characters rather than solely focusing on their disabilities. They also highlight the societal barriers that differently-abled individuals face, aligning with the social and rights-based models of disability. The representation of the visually impaired in mainstream Indian cinema reflects deep-seated cultural perceptions and evolving societal attitudes toward disability. The present study examines how Indian films portray visual impairment, focusing on Black (2005) and Srikanth (2024). The objective is to analyze the messages these films convey about disability and to investigate how they represent cultural prejudices, challenge societal norms, and break stereotypes associated with visually impaired individuals. A key focus is the gendered portrayal of visual disability, exploring differences in the cinematic representation of male and female characters and their agency in navigating a world shaped by both limitations and possibilities. By critically evaluating narrative structures, character development, and cinematic techniques, this research aims to understand how Indian cinema shapes public perception and fosters an inclusive discourse on disability. The findings contribute to discussions on media representation, cultural biases, and the transformative potential of cinema in promoting disability awareness and empowerment.