Freedom of Expression: Issues and Trends in Hindi Cinema

This study attempted to explore the major issues of contention, controversies and censorship that have plagued Hindi cinema since the turn of the century. Freedom of Speech and Expression are basic human rights for an individual in a democratic society. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights gives people the “right to hold an opinion and express it orally, in writing or in visual form” (United Nations, 1948). Even though, the Indian Constitution grants its citizens ‘freedom of speech and expression’ through Article 19(1)(A), it is not an absolute right. The attempts to curb and limit this freedom are very apparently visible in the increasing controversies that surround Indian Films. Cinema as a significant instrument of entertainment through mass media, has the power to influence the citizens of any society. Being the largest film producing industry in the world, Indian Cinema is a unique medium that allows for creative expression and message dissemination. But, many a times, undue pressure is placed on filmmakers – by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), politicians and political parties, external forces like fringe groups and even the film viewing audience – restricting their creativity and storytelling. Through this study, the researchers attempted to analyse the trend of controversies in Hindi mainstream cinema. Using a secondary research approach, the paper took an overview of twenty-three studies conducted during the years 2000 to 2020 -a crucial time period that saw many changes in trends of freedom of expression in Indian Cinema. Through this, the research study identified different issues that hamper the right of free expression in the Hindi film industry.