The confluence of Hindi cinema, public sphere, and Dalits: An in‐depth analysis.

Dhananjay Rai's book, "Contested Representation: Dalits, Popular Hindi Cinema, and Public Sphere," provides a comprehensive analysis of the portrayal of Dalits in mainstream Hindi cinema and its impact on Indian society. Rai examines a range of films to demonstrate the evolution and reinforcement of stereotypes in the portrayal of Dalit characters. The book also explores the reactions of Dalit communities and their efforts to reclaim their narratives. While the book has strengths in its in-depth analysis, interdisciplinary approach, historical context, and engagement with Dalit voices, it has weaknesses in its limited focus on Bollywood films, complexity of the subject matter, and lack of contemporary examples. Overall, the book is a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of cinema, caste, and the public sphere in India. [Extracted from the article]