The fact that these tests exist indicates both that they’re needed and that the conversation is getting louder. Various factors, including a push from people in the industry, growing women audiences and changing demographic and spending patterns, have seen the axis tilt at least a little. The UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report 2022, released in March, examined 252 of the highest-grossing English-language films released in 2021 via theatres and / or major streaming platforms and found significant change afoot. A study by the US-based think tank Annenberg Inclusion Initiative found that across 900 Hollywood films released between 2007 and 2016, less than 4% were directed by women. Given that what one sees on screen is the result of a hundred decisions made behind the scenes, Canadian-American singer-songwriter and actress Rory Uphold devised the Uphold Test in 2017.
**The Bechdel Test** is a measure of the representation of women in fiction. It asks whether a work features at least two women who talk to each other about something other than a man. This simple test has become a widely used tool to evaluate the portrayal of female characters in movies and other media. When it comes to Indian cinema, how do these films stack up against the Bechdel test?
It may not have achieved all it intended to, but if we become more conscious about the content we consume, we can ensure that almost all future releases pass it. Showing major studios that there is public demand for representation is the only way to get women to speak more on screen ‘ and in doing so, help pave the way for equality on set and behind the lens, too. Pan Nalin’s 2015 drama Angry Indian Goddesses, is actually India’s first female buddy film. But, a lack of big stars and its low masala quotient relegated this film to the corners of the indie films of our nation.
Although these proved to be powerful talking points, none have taken hold like the Bechdel Test. This is partly because no other test for gender equality has ever come closer to being met by most films, and also because its demands are among the least subjective. The fact remains that until almost all releases pass the minimal requirements it sets, it’s difficult to imagine the industry demanding more intersectionality behind the camera or female-led crews.
But Lipstick’ also manages to highlight the importance of female solidarity, which is mostly absent in Lust Stories. Two, movies that pass the test might still contain same sex conversations about gender stereotypes if not about Men explicitly, this includes stereotypes about motherhood, fashion, caretaking or appearance-related topics. The Bechdel test asks if a work of fiction features at least two women who talk to each other about something other than a man. The requirement that the two women must be named is sometimes added. I think it’s time to start making sure that the script reflects the underrepresented demographic’ and the money to be made.
Gender Representation in Indian Cinema
It has been long debated that women characters in movies are ancillary to their male counterparts and their lives are depicted to revolve around men. While women-centric movies and strong female leads with a mind of their own have made it to the silver screen, their representation still remains skewed. The question is not about the movies being feminist in nature but about the screen space allotted to women characters. Created by Alison Bechdel in 1985, The Bechdel Test is a measure of female representation in film and television that uses three criteria for evaluating the presence and visibility of strong female characterizations. If lobbying your local cinema proves futile, the only option left is to vote with your feet once cinemas reopen worldwide.
Indian cinema is known for its vibrant storytelling and larger-than-life characters. However, when it comes to gender representation, there have been criticisms of the industry’s lack of strong female characters and their underrepresentation in leading roles. Many Bollywood films tend to focus on male protagonists, relegating female characters to supporting roles or love interests.
Do Indian Movies Pass the Bechdel Test?
It is as simple as that, and you will do this for every scene in the script. You will have a very real assessment of how much screen time this element has. Using basic guidelines, you can make sure your content is forward-thinking. You can use your script breakdown and the rules of the Bechdel Test to determine the level of diversity in the actual content you hope to create. Women-centric and parallel cinema has fared relatively better in recent years, depicting men and women’s same-sex conversations more unconventionally of their genders.
While there are exceptions, many Indian movies do not fare well on the Bechdel test. The majority of films revolve around male characters and their stories, with limited interactions between female characters that do not revolve around men. This trend has led to calls for more diverse and nuanced portrayals of women in Indian cinema.
Challenges and Progress
Despite the challenges, there have been strides towards better gender representation in Indian movies. Filmmakers are beginning to explore themes related to women’s empowerment and agency, creating more complex and multidimensional female characters. Additionally, audiences are becoming more discerning and demanding in their expectations for more inclusive storytelling.
Conclusion
While Indian movies may have a mixed record when it comes to the Bechdel test, there is hope for progress in the future. By pushing for more diverse and authentic representations of women in cinema, the industry can continue to evolve and reflect the diverse experiences of its audience.
