Exploring Representation of LGBTQIA+ Themes in Recent Malayalam Cinema: A Thematic Analysis of Njan Merikutty (2018), Moothon (2019), and Varthamanam (2020)

Vishnu J Mohan; Anishia Jayadev; Appu A A

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2023.v05i03.3141

Exploring Representation of LGBTQIA+ Themes in Recent Malayalam Cinema: A Thematic Analysis of Njan Merikutty (2018), Moothon (2019), and Varthamanam (2020)

Author(s)	Vishnu J Mohan, Anishia Jayadev, Appu A A
Country	India
Abstract	This paper presents a qualitative content analysis of three recent Malayalam movies that feature LGBTQIA+ themes: Njan Merikutty (2018), Moothon (2019), and Varthamanam (2020). The study aimed to explore the representation of the LGBTQIA+ community in popular Malayalam movies and its impact on social perception. The research design was a thematic analysis of the movies, based on multiple viewings and note-taking by the researchers. The data were analyzed iteratively, with themes being identified and refined throughout the process. The study found that the movies portrayed LGBTQIA+ characters in a manner, that challenged stereotypes and offered new perspectives on LGBTQIA+ experiences. The paper concludes that these movies have the potential to shape public attitudes and promote greater acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community in society. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the representation of LGBTQIA+ themes in popular media, including movies. In India, where social attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ individuals have been historically conservative, movies have the potential to play a significant role in shaping public perceptions and attitudes towards this marginalized community. In Malayalam cinema, there have been a number of recent films that feature LGBTQIA+ themes, including Njan Merikutty (2018), Moothon (2019), and Varthamanam (2020). However, there is a lack of research exploring how these movies portray LGBTQIA+ individuals and the impact they have on social perception. This paper seeks to fill this gap by conducting a qualitative content analysis of these three films, using a thematic analysis approach. By examining the portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters in these movies, the study aims to shed light on the representation of the LGBTQIA+ community in popular Malayalam cinema and its potential impact on social perception. This research is important because it can contribute to a better understanding of how movies can influence social attitudes towards marginalized groups and inform efforts to promote greater acceptance and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community in Indian society.
Keywords	LGBTQIA, Transgender, Stigma, Discrimination, Representation
Field	Sociology
Published In	Volume 5, Issue 3, May-June 2023
Published On	2023-05-19
Cite This	Exploring Representation of LGBTQIA+ Themes in Recent Malayalam Cinema: A Thematic Analysis of Njan Merikutty (2018), Moothon (2019), and Varthamanam (2020) - Vishnu J Mohan, Anishia Jayadev, Appu A A - IJFMR Volume 5, Issue 3, May-June 2023. DOI 10.36948/ijfmr.2023.v05i03.3141
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2023.v05i03.3141
Short DOI	https://doi.org/gr9r4c

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Exploring Representation of LGBTQIA+ Themes in Recent Malayalam Cinema: A Thematic Analysis of Njan Merikutty (2018), Moothon (2019), and Varthamanam (2020)

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