Cinematic Justice and Moral State: Representing Law, Caste, and Ethics in Contemporary Indian Cinema
Author(s): Akriti Kumari
Abstract: This paper explores how contemporary Indian cinema portrays justice, morality, and the role of the state, focusing on films Jai Bhim (2021), Article 15 (2019), Court (2015), Fandry (2013), and Jolly LLB (2013). Using Amartya Sen’s (2011) idea of justice, Stuart Hall’s theory of representation, and Foucault’s concept of power and discipline, the study examines how stories, visuals, and emotions work together to convey moral and political meaning. Through detailed scene analysis and critical discourse analysis as a method, the paper shows that cinema does more than depict legal processes; it enacts justice by highlighting ethical dilemmas, social inequalities, and the struggles of individuals that formal institutions often overlook. Jai Bhim and Article 15 reveal how caste shapes access to justice and the moral responsibility of those within the state structures. Court and Jolly LLB contrasts the slow, indifferent workings of bureaucracy with moments of personal courage that challenge systemic failures. Fandry presents justice as lived experience, showing how dignity and fairness exist outside formal law. Overall, these films make visible the social, moral, and ethical dimensions of justice and invite audiences to reflect on empathy, fairness, and responsibility. By connecting law, ethics, and everyday lives, contemporary Indian cinema becomes a space for moral and social engagement, suggesting that justice is not just about verdicts, but also about conscience, courage, and human care.
Keywords: Cinematic Justice, Caste and Morality, State and Law, Social Inequality, Indian Cinema
DOI: doi.org/10.65719/RC.3.2.2025.078
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