THE IMPACT OF DALIT-CENTRIC CINEMA AND SOCIAL CHANGE: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY

Indian cinema has long been influenced by the “upper-caste gaze,” where Dalit characters were either absent or depicted as objects of pity. However, in the last decade, some directors have challenged this perception. Gradually, a new consciousness began to develop among Dalits outside the cinema, and as a result, Dalit characters are now emerging not merely as victims but as rebellious and self-respecting protagonists. This study examines cinema centered on Dalit identity in present-day India, not just from the lens of representation, but also as a cultural and political intervention. It traces the shift from victimhood to agency, showing how these movies reclaim voice and challenge caste-blindness. This article will analyze how Dalit-centric cinema functions as a cultural movement that reshapes social consciousness, public discourse, and the politics of caste in India. This research will examine how these films are influencing societal perceptions and the caste system.