44. Dr. R Anitha

Abstract 44                                                                                                                                           DCL CLAI 2012

Dr. R. Anitha   

In the Line of Fire : Deepa Mehta’s Films, Critics and Censure

Abstract

Introduction  - atmosphere of intolerance in Indian soil in all fields – political, social and art - Talibanisation of community versus freedom of speech – genuine criticism versus ridiculous- cultural policing – censor’s cut – artists’s take

Reception of Deepa Mehta’s films -  her conception of films – Fire, Water, Earth and Midnight’s Children – detailed discussion of her intentions and diatribe on society through these films - each film and their reception by artists, critics and self declared cultural police -  censure native and foreign

Her nativity and current status as an Indo-canadian- her primary allegiance to a country – her understanding of cultural codes- accuracy of depiction of Indianness – angle of perception  - is it justified?

Reinterpretation of books into films – fixation for taboo or controversial themes – from Fire to Midnights’s Children

Conclusion: creativity and liberty – reformist or ridiculing – marketing with a desi –eye or NRI-style