Projecting Patriarchy: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Gendered Narratives in Bollywood Films (1970–2024) through a Criminological Lens

Abstract

Cinema in India holds significant cultural influence, shaping public perceptions of crime, justice, and morality. This study critically examines 56 popular Bollywood films released between 1970 and 2024 to analyze the evolution of gendered crime narratives through a criminological lens. Using reflexive thematic analysis of more than 560 dialogues, the research identifies eleven core themes—including Gender Roles and Patriarchy, Sacrifice and Self-Effacement, Female Silencing, and Moral Judgment and Social Stigma—demonstrating how portrayals of women have shifted across decades.
A reflexive thematic analysis of these films reveals clear temporal shifts: while films from the 1970s–1990s predominantly reinforced patriarchal norms, nearly half of post-2010 films (approximately 42%) depict greater female agency, resistance, and moral complexity. Despite this emerging trend, progress remains inconsistent, as mainstream cinema still frequently centers women’s identities around submission, emotional dependence, and domestic roles. The analysis also highlights how cinematic depictions of crime and masculinity contribute to public understandings of justice and gendered violence.
Overall, the findings demonstrate cinema’s dual function: reproducing long-standing social hierarchies while simultaneously creating space for counter-narratives that challenge gendered expectations. The study underscores the significance of ethically conscious storytelling in reshaping public discourse and advocates for more equitable, responsible portrayals of women in popular media.