Characters and Relationships through Food and Drink in Indian Cinema

Abstract

In India, an image of a person or persons eating can reveal significant information about their identity, their emotional status and the nuances of their relationships. This dissertation attempts to understand the different ways in which food, drink and associated practices, traditions, rituals, beliefs and behaviours are used in Indian films to depict identities like caste, class, community, religion, gender, and beliefs of characters, their emotions and the dynamics of their relationships. The thesis will analyse how Indian filmmakers use camera angles and movement, shot sizes, colour, props, lighting, performances, music and other filmmaking tools to convey this information in “food scenes”.