Bombay Films: The Cinema as Metaphor for Indian Society and Politics

It is difficult to distinguish between art and life in South Asian society; they no longer imitate each other but appear to have merged. Political philosophies, social values, group behaviour, speech and dress in society are reflected in the cinema and, like a true mirror, reflect back in society. F...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Modern Asian studies 1992-05, Vol.26 (2), p.289-320
Main Author: Ahmed, Akbar S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bombay, India
Cinema
Film criticism
Heroes
Heroism
Hindus
India
Indian culture
Maharashtra
Metaphors
Morality
Motion picture industry
Motion pictures
Movies
Muslims
Politics
Social conditions & trends
Social Determination of Meaning
Villains
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Summary:It is difficult to distinguish between art and life in South Asian society; they no longer imitate each other but appear to have merged. Political philosophies, social values, group behaviour, speech and dress in society are reflected in the cinema and, like a true mirror, reflect back in society. Furthermore, film stars cross over from their fantasy world into politics to emerge as powerful figures guiding the destiny of millions. It is thus possible to view the cinema as a legitimate metaphor for society; this perception helps us to understand society better.
ISSN:0026-749X
1469-8099
DOI:10.1017/S0026749X00009793