Bollywood has long been a platform for showcasing the diverse narratives of the society, but few films have addressed the issues of consent, patriarchy, and gender-based violence with as much nuance and impact as Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s 2016 film "Pink." This critically acclaimed movie brings to light the harsh realities faced by women in the society and serves as a powerful commentary on the country's judicial and social attitudes towards women.
"Pink" tells the story of three young women, Minal, Falak, and Andrea, whose lives are get affected after a traumatic incident involving a group of influential men. After a night out, Minal is sexually assaulted by Rajveer, a man from a powerful family. When Minal retaliates in self-defence, the men leverage their influence to file a counter-case, accusing her of attempted murder. The film then unfolds in the courtroom, where retired lawyer Deepak Sehgal (played by Amitabh Bachchan) defends the women, challenging the biases and prejudices that pervade the legal system and society.
Social Construction of Gender:
In "Pink," the socially constructed roles of women are brought into sharp focus, echoing Simone de Beauvoir's assertion that "one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman." De Beauvoir's concept, explored in "The Second Sex," underscores how societal norms and expectations shape and limit women's identities and freedoms. In the film, the female protagonists are judged and stigmatized based on their appearance, lifestyle, and social behaviour, rather than the merits of their case.
The courtroom drama in "Pink" exemplifies how women are often subjected to scrutiny and victim-blaming. Minal, Falak, and Andrea are portrayed as transgressing traditional gender roles simply by being independent and assertive. The film challenges these stereotypes, emphasizing that a woman's character or attire does not justify sexual violence against her, thus advocating for a broader cultural shift in how women are perceived and treated.
Gender Performativity and Power Dynamics
Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity, which suggests that gender is constructed through repeated behaviours and actions rather than being an innate quality, is vividly illustrated in "Pink." The film portrays how the protagonists' behaviour, deemed inappropriate by societal standards, becomes a focal point in the trial. The characters are constantly performing their gender roles in ways that conform to or resist societal expectations.
Furthermore, Butler’s ideas highlight how the courtroom itself becomes a stage where power dynamics are enacted. Deepak Sehgal’s defence strategy systematically deconstructs the notions of "good" and "bad" women, emphasizing that consent is paramount and should be respected regardless of a woman’s behaviour or appearance. This aligns with Butler’s argument that gender norms and power structures can be challenged and subverted through discourse and action.
Michel Foucault's concept of biopower, which explores how institutions regulate and control bodies and behaviours, is relevant to the analysis of "Pink." The judicial system, as portrayed in the film, acts as an instrument of biopower by enforcing societal norms and expectations about women's conduct. Foucault's theories help us understand how power operates not just through coercion but through the normalization of certain behaviours and identities.
In "Pink," the legal proceedings reveal how societal norms about gender and sexuality are deeply embedded within the judicial process. The cross-examination of the women exposes the underlying assumptions and biases that influence legal outcomes. By challenging these biases, the film advocates for a more just and equitable legal system that respects individual rights and autonomy.
The film’s climax, where Deepak Sehgal delivers a powerful monologue on the importance of consent, serves as a crucial moment of reckoning. He asserts that "no means no," regardless of the context or relationship, thereby challenging the deeply entrenched patriarchal norms that often excuse or overlook male entitlement and aggression.
"Pink" is a great film in Bollywood that addresses critical issues of consent, gender-based violence, and the judicial system's treatment of women. "Pink" not only highlights the struggles faced by women in India but also serves as a call to action to challenge and dismantle patriarchal systems. Through its compelling narrative and powerful performances, the film underscores the need for a societal shift towards greater respect and equality for all genders.
This post has analysed the movie and its message in great depth. We see that three different women face different kinds of hardships and struggles throughout the movie, highlighting that women, irrespective of their religion, appearance and social status, face hardships and discrimination. It also shows that the society is so misogynistic that people are more likely to believe speaking in favour of women than women speaking for themselves.
It is refreshing to see that Bollywood has produced something besides its conventional patriarchal movies. This movie explicitly portrays the idea of respecting women's choices and answers. In our society, men's silence is also considered a "No," but no one considers a woman's "No" as a "No," even if she is screaming it at the top of her voice. This film has clearly challenged the social norms of society and invites the audience to understand the importance of a woman's consent and autonomy. Such movies can play a vital role in shifting mindsets and encouraging discussions about gender equality and women's rights. They can help in creating a more inclusive and respectful society where everyone's choices and voices are valued…
In many Bollywood movies, including many Shahrukh Khan's films and recently released Kabir Singh and Animal, we often see male characters pursuing female characters even after a clear word "No" from their side, which can sometimes blur the line between romance and crossing boundaries without consent. These films have shaped cultural norms where persistent pursuit is seen as charming, even if it disregards the importance of respecting someone's boundaries. On the other hand, movies like "Pink" stand out by showing the importance of clear boundaries and mutual respect in relationships. It challenge these norms and highlighted critical issues that need a more thoughtful portrayal in cinema.
I really like seeing movies which highlights the importance of consent and women's choice rather than making them fall victim to such harassments and keeping their silence. Indeed this movie really highlight how women clothes, dressing and social status is questioned even after she is the one getting harassed. I found it very insightful how you used multiple frameworks and theories to support your argument but looking deep into movie analysis, don't you think this movie is also depicting that how hard it is for a women who is sexually abused to seek the justice? The struggles of court which are shown and how the legal system also hides behind societal gender norms and is lack fairness in its procedure…
You effectively draw attention to the movie's criticism of legal and cultural prejudices against women, highlighting the importance of consent and confronting patriarchal standards. I really like the way you've used different theoretical frameworks like Judith Butler's theory of gender performativity and incorporated our discussions on readings such as Simone de Beauvoir's "the second sex". It's also so important to constantly have conversations about how the legal system, instead of being fair, not only enforces but also perpetuates societal norms. In times like today, when Bollywood's main focus is on movies that incorporate romance, comedy, or thrill, films like "Pink" challenge viewers to consider issues of consent and gender discrimination more critically. I haven't watched this movie, but after reading your blog, I'm definitely convinced to do…