Gender and Caste Intersectionality in Bollywood Film ‘NH10’: An Empirical Study Focused on ‘Honour Killing’

Vikas  Kumar; Swati  S. Mishra

doi:10.69968/ijisem.2025v4i2114-122

Authors

Vikas Kumar Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, St. Xavier’s College of Management & Technology, Patna, India.
Swati S. Mishra UG Student, Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, St. Xavier’s College of Management & Technology, Patna, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69968/ijisem.2025v4i2114-122

Keywords:

Gender, Caste, Intersectionality, Honour Killing, Bollywood Cinema

Abstract

Gender and caste intersectionality representation in Bollywood cinema is of prime interest in social justice and representation discussions. This paper presents an empirical analysis on the renowned film “NH10,” investigating the portrayal of systems of oppression entrenched in honour killings. The research unravelled power, privilege, and resistance represented through the characters, visual frames, narrative themes, and societal comments featured in the film. Drawing upon intersectionality theory, symbolic interactionism, social control theory and post-colonial theory concerning effects of oppressive systems on individuals such as women through gender and caste intersections is compounded. Results reveal that patriarchal and caste norms regulate sexual violence against women; witnessed through characters like Satbir and his kin. The research further posits the potential that films such as NH10 have to unravel prevalent stereotypes through perspective taking. Nonetheless, this study considers solely one movie which confines validity; thereby necessitating further quantitative research for objectivity of general assertions. To sum up, this analysis on “NH10” broadens current perceptions on gender and caste intersections in Bollywood contributing to present debates incorporating social justice arguments revolving around representation directly correlating with cinema’s powerful role in structuring public conceptions.

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