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.