My doctoral research focuses on the representation of Dalit women in Telugu cinema (1990–2021), examining how their portrayal intersects with caste, gender, and social hierarchies. Through an intersectional approach, my work explores how contemporary Telugu films mark a shift in the representation of Dalit women, portraying them as agentic figures rather than as passive subjects. Employing frame analysis and critical textual analysis, I attempt to investigate how select films engage with Dalit feminist consciousness, challenging dominant cinematic tropes.
By situating my study within the broader frameworks of Dalit feminism, intersectionality, and visual culture, I analyze cinema as both a site of resistance and a reflection of sociopolitical realities. My research contributes to ongoing discussions on caste, gender, and media representation in South Asia.
I look forward to engaging with scholars working on caste, gender, media representation, and postcolonial studies in South Asia through CIRCLE’s interdisciplinary network. This platform would provide an invaluable opportunity for academic collaboration and intellectual exchange.