Audience perception of sports women in India cinema: A case study of ‘Dangal’

Abstract

Cinema has played a pivotal role in both reflecting and influencing societal perceptions of women in India (Gupta, 2003). Traditional cultural norms and family dynamics have reinforced these inequalities, with women being under the influence of their parents before marriage and their husbands after marriage (Chakrapani & Kumar (eds.), 1994). These inequalities are further reflected in the media, including the Indian film industry, which has historically been male-dominated (Ganti, 2004). The current study makes an attempt to understand audience perception of sports women in the film and the role of cinema in creating awareness about unconventional sports in India. The study employs survey method in Berhampur University, Odisha through a structured questionnaire for the purpose. The study reveals the scope of cinema as a pedagogical tool to bridge in the knowledge gap among the youths. The film also helps in changing the perception towards unconventional sports as well as sports women.