Viewing through the queer lens: Reception of homosexuality in South Indian cinema

Abstract

Indian cinema, transregional by nature, has not only produced commercially successful films in Hindi language but also has succeeded in producing box office hit films from the regions like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which constitute the popularly known south Indian film industry. The success of these films is influenced by various factors, to list a few, widespread audience, technical and technological advancements, rational, close to life and sensitive narratives, the advent of OTT platforms etc. Films dealing with queer themes in south Indian film industry have gained prominence worth discussion and debate post 1990 with gender sensitisation and awareness programmes leading to a ripple formation in the dichotomous male/female gender hierarchal system of the Indian society. This study, adopting a quantitative approach, focuses on films dealing with homosexuality produced by the south Indian film industry. It investigates the effect of destigmatisation of homosexuality through films and delves deep to understand the common perception on films featuring queer themes as well as audience interpretation of these queer visual texts. The study concludes on how the queer representations in south Indian cinema are yet not fully engaged with the audience contributing to an increased awareness about the sexual minority communities to build and promote an inclusive society.