Pa. Ranjith's Cinema and the Rejection of Star-Centric Filmmaking: Reclaiming Representation and Resistance in Indian Cinema

Nikesh Naik

Abstract: Mainstream Indian cinema relies heavily on star power, subordinating narratives to celebrity appeal and marginalizing Dalit-Bahujan stories through stereotypes or erasure. Filmmaker Pa. Ranjith challenges this by centering Dalit resistance in Kabali (2016) and Kaala (2018), subverting stardom-via Rajinikanth collaborations-to amplify subaltern histories and Ambedkarite symbols like blue imagery. As producer of star-less Pariyerum Perumal (2018), he proves cinema's viability beyond commercialism for cultural reclamation. This paper contrasts star-driven hegemony with Ranjith's visual politics, arguing his oeuvre democratizes representation and redefines cinema for social justice.

Keywords: Dalit representation, subaltern aesthetics, resistance, social justice

How to Cite?: Nikesh Naik, "Pa. Ranjith's Cinema and the Rejection of Star-Centric Filmmaking: Reclaiming Representation and Resistance in Indian Cinema", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 564-565, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251124172747, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251124172747