WOMEN AND ASSAMESE CINEMA: A STUDY OF SUBMISSIVE CHARACTER

Abstract

Cinema serves as a means of communication and an artistic expression that mirrors 
socio-cultural aspects and historical contexts. It portrays social realities through various 
narratives. Its significance in society is substantial. In Indian cinema, women have often been 
restricted to conventional, patriarchal representations. The average woman has rarely been 
portrayed on screen. Women are typically shown as guardians of tradition and family 
connections, thereby stripping them of any sense of autonomy and empowerment. They are 
often depicted as passive, obedient spouses, presented as idealized figures and self-sacrificing 
martyrs for their families. Numerous filmmakers argue that cinema acts as a medium of 
expression and reflects the actual world. Bhabendranath Saikia, Jahnu Barua, Bidyut 
Chakraborty, Swantana Bordoloi are prominent filmmakers from Assam who addresses a 
range of social issues in their films. Several of those works highlight the problem of gender 
inequality. This paper will aim to examine the theme of gender inequality and various women's 
issues reflected in films. 

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