Cinema is a powerful medium that can either challenge stereotypes and prejudices or reinforce them. In the multicultural state of Tripura, the Kokborok film industry has emerged as a platform for celebrating indigenous Tripuri culture. However, it is essential to critically examine how Kokborok films depict disability.
Unfortunately, some of these films fall into the trap of perpetuating stereotypes when portraying individuals with disabilities, raising concerns about their impact on perceptions and attitudes. This article explores instances where Kokborok films have missed the mark in their depiction of disability, potentially reinforcing stereotypes instead of challenging them.
The Kokborok film industry, although small compared to Tollywood or Bollywood, plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Tripuri culture. These films are primarily produced and consumed within Tripura, making them an essential part of the state’s cultural fabric.
While some Kokborok films have been praised for their authentic and empowering disability portrayals, others have taken a less progressive approach.
Here are some instances where disability has been represented in a stereotypical manner:-
1. Pity and Dependency: Some Kokborok films depict individuals with disabilities as objects of pity, relying on the sympathy of others for their survival. Such portrayals reinforce the harmful stereotype that people with disabilities are helpless and dependent on charity or the goodwill of others.
2. Solely Defined by Disability: In these films, characters with disabilities are often one-dimensional, with their disability serving as their sole defining characteristic. This reductionist approach neglects their aspirations, personalities, and potential beyond their physical challenges.
3. Villainization: In certain Kokborok films, characters with disabilities are portrayed as villains or antagonists. This portrayal not only perpetuates negative stereotypes but also sends the message that disability is synonymous with malevolence.
4. Curing Disability: Some films in the Kokborok industry suggest that a person with a disability can only find happiness or fulfillment by being “cured” or having their disability magically removed. This unrealistic and simplistic narrative ignores the reality that disability is a part of one’s identity, and people with disabilities can lead fulfilling lives as they are.
5. Marginalization: Characters with disabilities in some Kokborok films are often marginalized or isolated from the rest of society. This isolation reinforces the idea that individuals with disabilities do not belong or contribute to the community.
The Impact on Society:-
The stereotypical portrayal of disability in Kokborok films can have a detrimental impact on society:
1. Reinforcing Stigmas: Such portrayals reinforce existing stigmas and misconceptions about disability, making it difficult for individuals with disabilities to be accepted and integrated into society.
2. Limiting Opportunities: By presenting people with disabilities as one-dimensional characters, these films contribute to limiting their opportunities for education, employment, and social inclusion.
3. Hindering Empowerment: Stereotypical portrayals can hinder the empowerment of individuals with disabilities by discouraging self-advocacy and perpetuating feelings of shame and inadequacy.
While the Kokborok film industry has shown promise in celebrating Tripuri culture and addressing important societal issues, there are instances where disability portrayals have fallen short. Stereotypical depictions of disability in these films can have a lasting negative impact on perceptions and attitudes towards individuals with disabilities.
To truly punch up the story and promote inclusivity and understanding, Kokborok filmmakers must strive for more authentic, diverse, and nuanced representations of disability, allowing for the complexity and richness of the human experience to shine through. By doing so, they can contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society in Tripura and beyond.