Criticism

 Hello Everyone, I'm a student of the Department of English,M.K.B.U. This blog task is a part of a thinking activity which is assigned by Dr.Dilip Barad Sir. In this blog I'm going to discuss Feminist Criticism, Marxist Criticism, Ecocriticism and Queer Theory with examples of Bollywood movies.

Feminist Criticism 

Feminist criticism is a literary and cultural theory that focuses on analysing and critiquing the representation of gender roles, the oppression of women, and the portrayal of women in literature, media, and society. It emerged as a response to the underrepresentation and often negative portrayal of women in literature and other forms of art. Feminist critics examine how gender stereotypes, power imbalances, and social norms are reflected and perpetuated in various works, seeking to challenge and change these dynamics to promote gender equality and empower women. There are various branches of feminist criticism, including liberal feminism, radical feminism, and postmodern feminism, each with its own approach and goals.

"Mehndi" is a 1998 Bollywood drama film, written and directed by Hamid Ali Khan. It stars Rani Mukerji and Faraaz Khan. Dialogues were written by Iqbal Durrani.

A story of a Newly-wed Pooja (played by Rani Mukherjee) is left shocked when her in-laws and her husband start ill-treating her. Unable to bear the mistreatment, she decides to teach them a lesson.

We can take this movie as an example of feminist criticism because in this movie female plays a vital role. In a feminist criticism analysis of "Mehndi," we could examine how the film portrays its female characters, their roles, and the power dynamics between genders. Consider whether the film challenges or reinforces traditional gender norms and stereotypes. Look at how women's agency, choices, and empowerment are depicted in the story. We might also assess the representation of marriage and the role of women in the context of Indian society.

Ecocriticism 

Ecocriticism is a literary and cultural theory that focuses on the relationship between literature, culture, and the environment. It emerged as a response to growing environmental concerns and aims to analyse how literature and other cultural texts represent and interact with nature and the environment. Ecocritics examine how various works of art, including literature, film, and other forms of expression, contribute to environmental awareness and sustainability. They also explore how human interactions with nature are portrayed and how these representations influence our attitudes and behaviours toward the environment. Ecocriticism often emphasises the need for environmental stewardship and a reevaluation of humanity's relationship with the natural world. It can encompass a wide range of perspectives and approaches, from examining the portrayal of nature in literature to analysing the impact of human activities on the environment.

Marxist Criticism

Marxist criticism is a literary and cultural theory rooted in the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It focuses on analysing how literature, art, and culture reflect and perpetuate social, economic, and political inequalities, particularly those related to class. Marxist critics view works of art as products of their social and economic context and examine how they either challenge or reinforce the dominant class structures.

Key aspects of Marxist criticism include:

1. Class analysis: Marxist critics examine how literature and culture depict class divisions and struggles, emphasising the roles of the working class (proletariat) and the capitalist class (bourgeoisie).

2. Economic determinism: This perspective contends that economic forces and relations shape social and cultural structures, influencing the themes and narratives found in literature.

3. Ideology critique: Marxist criticism often looks at how works of art can serve as ideological tools, either reinforcing or subverting the status quo. It explores how literature can perpetuate or challenge dominant ideologies.

4. Historical materialism: This concept posits that historical and material conditions are fundamental to understanding societal change, and it plays a central role in analysing literature and culture within specific historical contexts.

Marxist criticism seeks to unveil the underlying power dynamics and inequalities in literature and culture, with the ultimate goal of promoting social change and addressing issues of class disparity. It's worth noting that there are various interpretations and adaptations of Marxist criticism, and it has evolved over time to encompass a wide range of perspectives and approaches.

"Mehndi" is a 1998 Bollywood drama film, written and directed by Hamid Ali Khan. It stars Rani Mukerji and Faraaz Khan. Dialogues were written by Iqbal Durrani.

A story of a Newly-wed Pooja (played by Rani Mukherjee) is left shocked when her in-laws and her husband start ill-treating her. Unable to bear the mistreatment, she decides to teach them a lesson.

For a Marxist criticism analysis,  this movie focus on the class dynamics within the film. Analyse how social and economic classes are portrayed and how characters from different economic backgrounds interact. It explores whether the film addresses issues related to class struggle, exploitation, or inequality. Additionally, you can examine how economic factors influence the characters' decisions and actions.

Queer Theory :-

Queer theory is a field of critical theory that emerged in the late 20th century, primarily in response to issues of gender and sexuality. It challenges traditional understandings of these concepts, as well as the norms and categories associated with them. Queer theory examines how societal norms, institutions, and language construct and enforce identities related to gender and sexuality. Key aspects of queer theory include:

1. Deconstruction of categories: Queer theory questions binary understandings of gender and sexual orientation (e.g., male/female, heterosexual/homosexual) and challenges the idea that these categories are fixed and natural.

2. Intersectionality: Queer theory often intersects with other critical theories, such as feminism and critical race theory, to explore how various forms of identity and oppression intersect and influence one another.

3. Anti-normativity: It critiques the societal norms and expectations related to gender and sexuality and seeks to disrupt and deconstruct these norms, making space for diverse and non-conforming identities.

4. Performativity: Drawing from Judith Butler's work, queer theory explores the performative nature of gender and sexuality, emphasising that these identities are not inherent but constructed through actions, language, and social contexts.

Queer theory has had a significant impact on various fields, including literature, sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies. It has been instrumental in advancing discussions of LGBTQ+ rights, representation, and social acceptance, as well as fostering a more inclusive and diverse understanding of gender and sexuality.

Kapoor & Sons, also known as Kapoor & Sons (Since 1921), is a 2016 Indian Hindi language family-drama film directed by Shakun Batra and produced by Hiroo Yash Johar, Karan Johar and Apoorva Mehta under Dharma Productions, with Fox Star Studios serving as distributor and co-producer. Exploring themes of a dysfunctional family, the film stars Rishi Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, Fawad Khan, Alia Bhatt, Ratna Pathak Shah and Rajat Kapoor. Marking the second collaboration between Malhotra and Bhatt after their debut together in Student of the Year (2012), the film follows two estranged brothers who return to their dysfunctional family after their grandfather suffers a cardiac arrest.

One Bollywood movie that addresses LGBTQ+ themes and can be analysed from a queer theory perspective is "Kapoor & Sons" (also known as "Kapoor & Sons Since 1921"). Directed by Shakun Batra, the film explores the complexities of family relationships, secrets, and the coming out of a family member as gay.

In "Kapoor & Sons," the character of Rahul, portrayed by Fawad Khan, is a gay man who struggles with his identity and eventually comes out to his family. The movie delves into the emotional and social challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and their families in India. It also addresses themes of acceptance, love, and authenticity.

While the film does have its share of mainstream Bollywood elements, it received praise for its relatively sensitive portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues within the constraints of the Indian film industry. "Kapoor & Sons'' can be analysed using queer theory to explore how it represents queerness, the impact of societal norms and expectations, and the complexities of coming out in a family context.