Portrayal of Social Stratification on the Basis of Caste and Class through Movies in Modern Society: Analysis over three Decades

India's film industry has a rich history spanning over a century. Although mainstream Hindi films have dominated, regional and parallel films have also been well-received. Every decade has produced exceptional films with great stories, techniques, and acting. Films serve as a powerful medium for conveying information about history, civilization, philosophy, politics, education, and religion. Indian filmmakers have recently explored unique themes, reflecting changes in society and culture. Societal factors have been a source of inspiration for Indian filmmakers, and contemporary films incorporate themes relevant to present times. Marginalization is the process of pushing a particular group to the edges of society either by force or voluntarily. Socially disadvantaged groups may be marginalized due to factors such as caste, class, gender, or a lack of political opportunities. Meanwhile, privileged groups based on class and caste are considered important within the same society. This difference between advantaged and marginalized groups has been highlighted in popular media such as cinema and books. This research paper delves into the nuanced exploration of how social stratification, particularly based on caste and class, is portrayed through the medium of movies in contemporary society, spanning a time of three decades. The study aims to critically analyze the cinematic representation of these social divisions, discerning the underlying themes, messages, and ideologies that emerge from the narratives presented on screen.