The Indian cinema has an old history of portraying the complex world of crimes. It has portrayed it for entertainment and societal awareness as narrative device, points out Ritika Seth. According to her, beyond entertainment, films also serve as a lens through which to examine the intricate interplay between law, order, and the human condition. Besides, crimes are also a subject for creating engaging and compelling stories.
Cinema is one of the most powerful and popular forms of art and entertainment that has the ability to influence and shape the minds and hearts of the masses. Cinema is also a reflection of society, as it depicts the realities, issues, and challenges that people face in their everyday lives.
One of the most prevalent and pertinent themes that cinema explores is crime. Indian cinema, in particular, has a rich tradition of delving into the complex world of crime, both in specific cases and as a broader societal issue. These films not only entertain but also serve as a lens through which to examine the intricate interplay between law, order, and the human condition.
One of the earliest and most influential Indian films that dealt with crime was Mother India (1957), directed by Mehboob Khan. The film is considered to be one of the greatest Indian films of all time and a milestone in Indian cinema. The film tells the story of Radha (Nargis), a poor peasant woman who struggles to raise her sons amid poverty, drought, and oppression by a cruel moneylender.
Another landmark Indian film that explored crime was ‘Sholay’ (1975). Directed by Ramesh Sippy, it is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian films ever made and a cult classic. The film follows the adventures of two petty thieves, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra), who are hired by a retired police officer, Thakur (Sanjeev Kumar), to capture a notorious dacoit, Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan).
The film combines elements of action, comedy, romance, drama, and tragedy. It also portrays the themes of friendship, loyalty, revenge, and courage.
New releases
A more recent Indian film that tackled crime was Drishyam (2013). Directed by Jeethu Joseph, it is a thriller that revolves around Georgekutty (Mohanlal), a cable TV operator who lives with his wife and two daughters.
When his elder daughter accidentally kills the son of a police inspector who tries to blackmail her with a video of her in a compromising situation, Georgekutty devises a clever plan to cover up the crime and protect his family from the law.
Raatchasan (2018), directed by Ram Kumar, is a psychological thriller about a police officer who hunts down a serial killer who targets school girls. Mumbai Police (2013), directed by Rosshan Andrrews, is a mystery thriller about an amnesiac police officer who tries to unravel the truth behind his colleague’s murder.
Kaun? (1999), directed by Ram Gopal Varma, is a suspense thriller about a woman who is trapped in her house with a stranger who claims to be a serial killer. Baazigar (1993), directed by Abbas-Mustan, is a crime drama about a man who seeks revenge against a business tycoon by seducing his daughters.
These films also raise important questions about the causes and consequences of crime and its impact on individuals and society. These challenge the stereotypes and assumptions about crime and criminals and offer different perspectives and insights into human nature and behaviour.
A narrative device
Crime is a phenomenon that violates the law of the state and causes harm to individuals or society. Crime can take various forms, such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, cybercrime, etc. Crime can also be influenced by various factors, such as social, economic, political, cultural, psychological, etc. Crime is also a potent narrative device that can be used to create engaging and compelling stories in cinema.
Indian cinema, spanning multiple languages and regions, has embraced crime as a narrative device. Whether it’s the quintessential “whodunit” thriller, a gritty gangster saga, or a socially relevant commentary, crime has woven itself into the fabric of storytelling.
Films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Haider, Section 375, and Kahaani have artfully used crime as a backdrop to explore themes of power, revenge, and justice.
Tackling social issues
Indian cinema doesn’t merely stop at the surface of crime; it delves deep into its sociological implications. Films such as ‘Pink’ confront societal attitudes towards sexual assault and consent. ‘Article 15’ takes on the caste-based crimes that continue to plague India.
These films not just highlight issues at hand but also trigger dialogue and change that emboldens a robust democracy. They serve as a reminder that cinema is not just about escapism; it’s a powerful tool for raising awareness and challenging the status quo. ‘Satya’ humanises its gangster protagonist, exposing the underbelly of Mumbai. ‘Maqbool’ reimagines Shakespeare’s Macbeth in the Mumbai underworld, blurring the lines between hero and villain.
These films force the audience to confront the ambiguity of crime, where perpetrators are not always one-dimensional villains, and victims are not always entirely innocent.
Relevance to society
Justice is the principle that ensures that crime is prevented and controlled and that the rights and interests of the victims and the offenders are protected and respected. Justice can take various forms, such as retributive justice, restorative justice, procedural justice, distributive justice, etc. Justice can also be influenced by various factors, such as law, morality, culture, religion, etc.
Indian films have also explored the role of justice in relation to crime, depicting the challenges and complexities of the criminal justice system and its impact on individuals and society. Justice, or the lack thereof, is a recurring theme in Indian crime films.
Talvar (2015), directed by Meghna Gulzar, dissects the infamous Aarushi Talwar murder case, exposing the shortcomings and biases in the investigation and legal process. The film presents multiple perspectives on the case, highlighting the contradictions and inconsistencies in the evidence and testimonies. It also portrays the ordeal of the parents who are accused of killing their daughter and their struggle to prove their innocence.
Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016), directed by Anurag Kashyap, explores the mind of a serial killer and the cat-and-mouse game with law enforcement. The film is inspired by the real-life case of Raman Raghav, a notorious psychopath who terrorised Mumbai in the 1960s.
The film depicts the twisted relationship between the killer (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) and a corrupt cop (Vicky Kaushal) who are both obsessed with each other. It questions the morality and sanity of both characters and their actions.
The relevance of these films to contemporary Indian society cannot be overstated. They mirror the challenges and complexities of a nation in transition, grappling with issues of crime, justice, and morality. As India navigates its path towards progress, these films serve as a scale that measures the triumphs and tribulations of its journey.
These films also serve as a catalyst for social change, as they can raise awareness, question norms, and inspire action. These foster dialogue and debate among various stakeholders on issues and policies related to crime prevention and control. These films can also empower citizens to participate actively in democratic processes and demand accountability from those in power or authority.
Indian cinema’s exploration of crime goes beyond mere storytelling; it is a reflection of society’s collective conscience. They remind us that cinema is not just entertainment; it’s a tool through which we can confront the pressing issues of our time.
Ritika Seth works with DraftCraft International as a Media Researcher and writes mostly on issues affecting the Fourth Estate. She likes reading contrarian literature and analysing sources of news.inema is one of the most powerful and popular forms of art and entertainment that has the ability to influence and shape the minds and hearts of the masses. Cinema is also a reflection of society, as it depicts the realities, issues, and challenges that people face in their everyday lives.
One of the most prevalent and pertinent themes that cinema explores is crime. Indian cinema, in particular, has a rich tradition of delving into the complex world of crime, both in specific cases and as a broader societal issue. These films not only entertain but also serve as a lens through which to examine the intricate interplay between law, order, and the human condition.
One of the earliest and most influential Indian films that dealt with crime was Mother India (1957), directed by Mehboob Khan. The film is considered to be one of the greatest Indian films of all time and a milestone in Indian cinema. The film tells the story of Radha (Nargis), a poor peasant woman who struggles to raise her sons amid poverty, drought, and oppression by a cruel moneylender.
Another landmark Indian film that explored crime was ‘Sholay’ (1975). Directed by Ramesh Sippy, it is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian films ever made and a cult classic. The film follows the adventures of two petty thieves, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra), who are hired by a retired police officer, Thakur (Sanjeev Kumar), to capture a notorious dacoit, Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan).
The film combines elements of action, comedy, romance, drama, and tragedy. It also portrays the themes of friendship, loyalty, revenge, and courage.
New releases
A more recent Indian film that tackled crime was Drishyam (2013). Directed by Jeethu Joseph, it is a thriller that revolves around Georgekutty (Mohanlal), a cable TV operator who lives with his wife and two daughters.
When his elder daughter accidentally kills the son of a police inspector who tries to blackmail her with a video of her in a compromising situation, Georgekutty devises a clever plan to cover up the crime and protect his family from the law.
Raatchasan (2018), directed by Ram Kumar, is a psychological thriller about a police officer who hunts down a serial killer who targets school girls. Mumbai Police (2013), directed by Rosshan Andrrews, is a mystery thriller about an amnesiac police officer who tries to unravel the truth behind his colleague’s murder.
Kaun? (1999), directed by Ram Gopal Varma, is a suspense thriller about a woman who is trapped in her house with a stranger who claims to be a serial killer. Baazigar (1993), directed by Abbas-Mustan, is a crime drama about a man who seeks revenge against a business tycoon by seducing his daughters.
These films also raise important questions about the causes and consequences of crime and its impact on individuals and society. These challenge the stereotypes and assumptions about crime and criminals and offer different perspectives and insights into human nature and behaviour.
A narrative device
Crime is a phenomenon that violates the law of the state and causes harm to individuals or society. Crime can take various forms, such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, cybercrime, etc. Crime can also be influenced by various factors, such as social, economic, political, cultural, psychological, etc. Crime is also a potent narrative device that can be used to create engaging and compelling stories in cinema.
Indian cinema, spanning multiple languages and regions, has embraced crime as a narrative device. Whether it’s the quintessential “whodunit” thriller, a gritty gangster saga, or a socially relevant commentary, crime has woven itself into the fabric of storytelling.
Films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Haider, Section 375, and Kahaani have artfully used crime as a backdrop to explore themes of power, revenge, and justice.
Tackling social issues
Indian cinema doesn’t merely stop at the surface of crime; it delves deep into its sociological implications. Films such as ‘Pink’ confront societal attitudes towards sexual assault and consent. ‘Article 15’ takes on the caste-based crimes that continue to plague India.
These films not just highlight issues at hand but also trigger dialogue and change that emboldens a robust democracy. They serve as a reminder that cinema is not just about escapism; it’s a powerful tool for raising awareness and challenging the status quo. ‘Satya’ humanises its gangster protagonist, exposing the underbelly of Mumbai. ‘Maqbool’ reimagines Shakespeare’s Macbeth in the Mumbai underworld, blurring the lines between hero and villain.
These films force the audience to confront the ambiguity of crime, where perpetrators are not always one-dimensional villains, and victims are not always entirely innocent.
Relevance to society
Justice is the principle that ensures that crime is prevented and controlled and that the rights and interests of the victims and the offenders are protected and respected. Justice can take various forms, such as retributive justice, restorative justice, procedural justice, distributive justice, etc. Justice can also be influenced by various factors, such as law, morality, culture, religion, etc.
Indian films have also explored the role of justice in relation to crime, depicting the challenges and complexities of the criminal justice system and its impact on individuals and society. Justice, or the lack thereof, is a recurring theme in Indian crime films.
Talvar (2015), directed by Meghna Gulzar, dissects the infamous Aarushi Talwar murder case, exposing the shortcomings and biases in the investigation and legal process. The film presents multiple perspectives on the case, highlighting the contradictions and inconsistencies in the evidence and testimonies. It also portrays the ordeal of the parents who are accused of killing their daughter and their struggle to prove their innocence.
Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016), directed by Anurag Kashyap, explores the mind of a serial killer and the cat-and-mouse game with law enforcement. The film is inspired by the real-life case of Raman Raghav, a notorious psychopath who terrorised Mumbai in the 1960s.
The film depicts the twisted relationship between the killer (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) and a corrupt cop (Vicky Kaushal) who are both obsessed with each other. It questions the morality and sanity of both characters and their actions.
The relevance of these films to contemporary Indian society cannot be overstated. They mirror the challenges and complexities of a nation in transition, grappling with issues of crime, justice, and morality. As India navigates its path towards progress, these films serve as a scale that measures the triumphs and tribulations of its journey.
These films also serve as a catalyst for social change, as they can raise awareness, question norms, and inspire action. These foster dialogue and debate among various stakeholders on issues and policies related to crime prevention and control. These films can also empower citizens to participate actively in democratic processes and demand accountability from those in power or authority.
Indian cinema’s exploration of crime goes beyond mere storytelling; it is a reflection of society’s collective conscience. They remind us that cinema is not just entertainment; it’s a tool through which we can confront the pressing issues of our time.
Ritika Seth works with DraftCraft International as a Media Researcher and writes mostly on issues affecting the Fourth Estate. She likes reading contrarian literature and analysing sources of news.