BEYOND DOMESTICITY AND WOMEN’S AGENCY IN MANIPURI CINEMA: AN ANALYSIS OF FEMALE CHARACTERS IN ARIBAM SYAM’S FILM

The representation of women in cinema has been a longstanding concern in the field of cinema studies. Historically, female characters have often been relegated to submissive and domestic roles on screen. However, recent years have witnessed a significant shift in the portrayal of women in cinema, with an increasing number of films depicting female characters in active, occupational, and self-determining roles. This article delves into this transformative narrative trend by focusing on two Manipuri films, Imagi Ningthem (1981) and Ishanou (1990), directed by Aribam Syam Sharma. These films feature resilient female protagonists who challenge and defy the traditional domestic roles assigned to women in cinematic narratives. Using textual analysis, this article explores the nuanced portrayal of these female characters and the agency they exhibit in shaping their destinies. Drawing from the framework of feminist film theory, this study critically examines how these characters navigate societal expectations and patriarchal norms within the context of their narratives. The films serve as compelling narratives that shed light on the evolving representation of female agency in cinema where women character challenges conventional gender roles and offer a fresh perspective on women's identity within the cinematic realm. By interrogating the textual and societal dimensions of these films, this study gives a broader discourse on gender representation in cinema and highlights the importance of female agency in shaping contemporary narratives.