Crystal's paper: My Name is Khan

Portrayal of Mental Disorders in Bollywood films- A case study of the Bollywood film, “My Name is Khan” (2010)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I- INTRODUCTION

1.1 Defining films and Bollywood film

1.2 History of Bollywood films

1.4 Introduction, defining mental disorders and classification of abnormality

1.5 Defining autism, Asperger’s syndrome

1.6 Film as a medium of communication

1.7 Film - My Name is Khan

1.8 Summary

CHAPTER II- OBJECTIVES AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Introduction to Research

2.3 Objectives

2.4 Research Design

2.5 The Survey

2.6 Summary

CHAPTER III – REVIEW OF LITERATURE

3.1 Introduction

3.2 origin of the word Bollywood and commercial films

3.3 regional films in India

3.4 Film analysis- My Name is Khan

3.5 Origin and Recent developments in Indian popular films

3.6 portrayals of mental disorders in films

3.7 About Asperger’s syndrome and mental disorders

3.8 Conclusion

CHAPTER IV - DATA AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Introduction

4.3 Data Analysis and Survey Method

4.3 Summary of Survey Results

4.5 Summary

CHAPTER V - CONCLUSIONS, IMPLICATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

5.1 Conclusion

5.2 Implications

5.3 Recommendations

5.4 Limitations of the Study

i] APPENDIX

Questionnaire

Declaration

ii] BIBLIOGRAPHY

Chapter-1

Introduction

Chapter-1

Introduction

1.1 Defining films and Bollywood film

According to the dictionary a film means a strip of transparent material, usually cellulose triacetate, covered with a photographic emulsion and perforated along one or both edges, intended for the recording and reproduction of images. In other words, a motion picture means, a sequence of consecutive pictures of objects photographed in motion by a specially designed camera i.e. motion-picture camera and thrown on a screen by a projector i.e. motion-picture projector in such rapid succession as to give the illusion of natural movement. A film according to Google is a medium that disseminates moving pictures.

India is a centre of regional films. It has the highest number of languages spoken in the world. In India, Hindi films are referred to as Bollywood films. The word Bollywood is an informal way of saying popular Mumbai based Film industry in India. The term has been incorrectly used to refer to the whole of Indian Cinema. It is only a part of the total Indian film industry, which includes several regional film industries sorted by language. The term ‘Bollywood’ has its origin in the 1970’s, when India overtook America as the world’s largest film producer. The credit for the term has been claimed by several different people, including the lyricist, filmmaker and scholar Amit Khanna and the journalist Bewinda Collaco. The naming for Bollywood was inspired by ‘Tollywood’, the name that was used to refer to the cinema of west Bengal. Dating back to 1932, ‘Tollywood’ was the earliest Hollywood-inspired name, referring to the Bengal film industry based in Tollygunge, which rhymed with the concept or word ‘Hollywood’ and was the centre of the cinema of India at the time. The name ‘Bollywood’ later arose as the Bombay based film industry overtook the one in Tollygunge as the centre of the Indian film industry. Today this word has made entry into the oxford English Dictionary.

There are different types of films: Feature films, Art films and Documentary films.

Feature films: these films are full length films, usually 80 to 210 minutes. Since 1971, the country with the highest feature output has been India, which produces a thousand films in more than twelve Indian languages each year. They have their own themes and stories. These films are usually screened at the theatres and enact the story sound and sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement.

Art films: these films are very serious in nature. They are independently made films that are subjected to only few or selected audience. They are not aimed at mass audience. They also deal with concepts of social reality. Moreover, they are low budget films which are not released in theatres. In short, they are not commercial films.

Documentary films: these films an elaborative method of recording the lives and activities of the real people, but are constructed or recreated to tell an interesting story. Documentary film is a method of recording aspects of reality, interpreted either by factual shooting or by sincere reconstruction in order to appeal to the reason or emotion and for the purpose of widening of human knowledge and understanding of the problems and their solutions in relation to economic, culture and humans.

1.2 History of Bollywood films

Indian Cinema responded to various social, cultural and political contexts. In order to understand Indian cinema- its traits and concepts, we should examine first the forces that’s shaped Indian films. Few months after Lumiere brothers introduced the art of cinematography in Paris in 1895, cinema made its presence felt in India. First Indian film was shown on July 7, 1896. The times of India referred this time as the ‘Miracle of the country’. Westerner’s were inspired to make films that used Indian scenery and culture like ‘Poona Races 98’ (1898) and Coconut Fair (1897). Indians soon entered the domain of film making. The first Indian to make film was Harishchandra S Bhatvadekhar known as Save Dada. His first film the wrestlers was produced in 1899. F.B. Thanawalla made debut in 1900 with his two films ‘Splendid new view of Bombay’ (1900) and Taboot procession (1900). In 1905, film production was linked with exhibition J.F. Madan, who was a Parsee theatre owner. He gained reputation in theatre world of Calcutta and went on to establish Elphinstone Bioscope Company in 1907. He had eminent possibilities of filmmaking in India. First of his chain of theatres spread in India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. He also imported foreign actresses to act in mythologies and folk tales. First Indian feature by an Indian goes to Dhundiraj Govind Phalke. His ‘Raja Harishchandra’, as released on May 3, 1913 in Mumbai. He was inspired by the film- life of Christ and made the film Life of Lord Krishna. He was called as the ‘father of Indian Cinema’. In 1927, Madan theatres were increased to 126 in number. His first Bengali film was ‘Satyabadi Harishchandra’ (1917). Phalke and Madan served to fortify foundations of the film industry in India. In 1917 the first feature film was made in the south. It was the first Tamil silent film- ‘Keechaka Vadham’ based on Mahabhratha. Most of the films were inspired by two epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha. The first Malayalam film was ‘Vijatha Kumaran’ (1928), a silent film by J. C. Daniel.

The golden era of talkies comes with the Madan theatres i.e. the first Indian film company, screening the first Talkie- Melody of Love in 1929. In 1931 came the first Indian talkie- ‘Alam Ara’, full of fantasy and songs. Same year 27 films were made in 4 languages- Hindi, Bengali, Tamil and Telugu. In 1930’s social themes emerged with V Shantaram’s Devdas. Films on interplay between tradition and modernity were released like Maya and Manzil. Gifted film directors such as Bimal Roy, Guru Dutt and Raj Kapoor won increasing recognition for Indian popular cinema in many parts of the world. The decade 1950’s is regarded as the golden age of Indian popular cinema. During this time cinema was established as art, entertainment and industry. During the mid 1950’s, artistic cinema came into vogue. Pioneering efforts were taken by Bengali filmmaker Satyajit Ray. His ‘Pather Panchali’ (1955), won Indian cinema great entertainment recognition and critical acclaim. This movie was awarded the best human document, awarded at 1956 Cannes film festival and went on to win awards at film festivals in San Francisco, Ontario and elsewhere. ‘Pather Panchali’ was based on the Bengali novel. ‘Pather Panhali’ along with ‘Aparajito’ (1956) and ‘Apu Sansar’ (1959), referred to as Apu trilogy were the masterpieces of world cinema. Ray’s cinema emphasized on realism, psychology probing, visual poetry, outdoor rather than studio shooting and use of non-professional actors. He was responsible for the creation of an internationally recognized artistic cinema in India. (Indian popular cinema, 1998).

1.5 Definition of Mental disorders and abnormality:

According to the book Abnormal psychology by Barlow and Durant, they say that according to the DSM-IV definition of mental disorder- the gold standard for defining mental disorder and its sub classes has become the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), whose fourth edition (DSM-IV) was published in 1994. Here is how the DSM-IV defines mental disorders:

“A mental disorder is conceptualized as a clinically significant behavioral or psychology syndrome or pattern that occurs in an individual and that is associated with present distress i.e. a painful symptom or disability i.e. impairment in one or more areas of functioning or with a significantly increased risk of suffering death, pain, disability, or an important loss of freedom.  In addition, this syndrome or pattern must not be merely an expectable and culturally sanctioned response to a particular event, for example, the death of a loved one. Whatever their originals cause, it must currently be considered a manifestation of a behavioral, psychological, or biological dysfunction in the individual. Neither deviant behavior example, political, religious, or sexual nor conflicts that are primarily between the individual and society are mental disorders unless the deviance or conflict is a symptom of a dysfunction in the individual”. (American Psychiatric Association,1994). The literary meaning of the word abnormal means “away from the normal”, but we do not usually employ the term for those high-end behaviors that are better than, or superior to, normal performance. According to the DSM-IV definition of Mental Disorders: it says that a clinically significant behavioural or psychological syndrome or pattern that is associated with distress or disability, not simply a predictable and culturally sanctioned response to a particular event and is considered to reflect behavioural, psychological, or biological dysfunction in the individual.

The word ‘Symptom’ means: a single indicator of a problem. It can involve affect i.e. sadness, mood; behavior i.e. problems with sleeping, lethargic or cognition i.e. excessive worry, suicidal thoughts.

The word ‘Syndrome’ means:  a group or cluster of symptoms that all occur together. For example, sad or depressed mood, problems sleeping, concentration problems, weight loss, and suicidal thinking are all symptoms that reflect the syndrome of depression. In the case of depression, it can be a symptom i.e. refers to depressed mood. It is also the name of the syndrome i.e. refers to cluster of symptoms. 

The tenth edition of the International classification of diseases published in 1993 gives the multi axial system remains in DSM-IV which gives five Axis: pervasive developmental disorders, learning disorders, motor skills disorders and communication disorders, previously coded on Axis II are now all coded on Axis I.

Personality disorders and mental retardation are now coded on Axis II. Axis III comprises of physical disorders and conditions. Axis IV is used for reporting psycho social & environmental problems that might have an impact on the disorder. Axis V reports psycho social stress.

1.5 Defining Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome

Pervasive Developmental Disorders: refers to a group of symptoms that involves delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize with others, to communicate, and to use imagination. Children with these conditions often are confused in their thinking and generally have problems understanding the world around them. These conditions are identified in children around 3 years of age i.e. a critical period in a child's development -- they are called as development disorders. Although the condition begins much earlier than 3 years of age, parents often do not notice a problem until the child is a toddler who is not walking, talking, or developing as well as other children of the same age.

There are five types of Pervasive Developmental Disorders. They are as follows:

Autism:-

Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behaviors, all starting before a child is three years old. This set of signs distinguishes autism from milder Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) such as Asperger syndrome. They also have a limited range of activities and interests. Nearly 75% of children with autism also have some degree of mental retardation.

Aspergers syndrome

Asperger syndrome also known as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's disorder, Asperger's, or AS is one of several Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) also characterized by difficulties in social interaction and by restricted and stereotyped interests and activities. Asperger’s syndrome is different in that there is no general delay in language or cognitive development. Although not mentioned in standard diagnostic criteria, motor clumsiness and atypical use of language are frequently reported. They have narrow range of interests. They have average or above average intelligence, and develop normally in the areas of language and cognition i.e. the mental processes related to thinking and learning.

Childhood disintegrative disorder: Children with this rare condition begin their development normally in all areas, both physical and mental. At some point of time, usually between 2 and 10 years of age, a child with this illness loses many of the skills he or she has developed. In addition to the loss of social and language skills, a child with disintegrative disorder may lose control of other functions, including bowel and bladder control.

Rett's Syndrome: Children with this very rare disorder have the symptoms associated with a PDD and also suffer problems with physical development. They generally suffer the loss of many motor or movement, skills such as walking and use of their hands and develop poor coordination. This condition has been linked to a defect on the X chromosome, so it always affects girls.

Pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS): This category is used to refer to children who have significant problems with communication and play, and some difficulty interacting with others, but are too social to be considered autistic.

Causes of Asperger Syndrome:

Researchers and mental health experts have still not found the reason for the disorder. There seem to be some heredity components and the researchers say that it associated with disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. It’s mainly a neurological disorder in which the causes are not yet known.

Typical indicators of Asperger's syndrome

These disorders will cause delays in a child's early development, with possible early signs, or indicators, from these groups:

Social skills

·         Cannot carry out simple instructions

·         Does not maintain eye contact or smile back to others

·         Appears happy in their own world, with little interest in others

·         Delays to normal development of speech

·         Responding to some sounds, but not human voices

Behavior

·         Difficulty coping with changes to routines

·         Self-injuring behavior

·         Emotional outbursts with no apparent cause, or overly passive

·         Overly attached to certain objects or topics

·         Repetitive or ritualistic behavior such as rocking or flapping of the hands

The senses

·         Strong reaction to certain sounds

·         Will not look at objects directly

·         Insensitivity to pain, or extremes of temperature

·         Eating a very restricted range of food types

·         Walking on tip toes

·         Drawn to watching certain patterns or feeling certain textures

Play and imagination

·         Will only play with certain toys, possibly in unusual ways

·         Prefers not to play with others

·         Engages in only a limited range of play

·         Does not engage in pretend play

The core symptoms are mainly: poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness. In a nutshell, some of the evident symptoms or characteristics found in these people are as follows: These signs and symptoms might be present in a child with AS:

• inappropriate or minimal social interactions
• conversations almost always revolving around self rather than others
• "scripted," "robotic," or repetitive speech
• lack of "common sense"
• problems with reading, math, or writing skills
• obsession with complex topics such as patterns or music
• average to below-average nonverbal cognitive abilities, though verbal cognitive abilities are usually average to above-average
• awkward movements
• odd behaviors or mannerisms

Treatments:

It includes teachers training them to do motor skills and self help skills. Also social skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication for co-existing conditions, and other measures are taken in order to treat those suffering from this disorder. The various possible treatments are mentioned below:

• parent education and training
• specialized educational interventions for the child
• social skills training
• language therapy
• sensory integration training for younger kids, usually performed by an occupational therapist, in which they are desensitized to stimuli to which they're overly sensitive
• psychotherapy or behavioral/cognitive therapy for older children
• medications

1.6 Film as a medium of communication

Cinema is the most powerful medium of communication. It is the audio-visual medium which combines all possible forms; written, oral, visual auditory. The film is a highly flexible medium and can be used for many purposes and adapted to different conditions. Film is the collective dream of society. The mass appeal for the movies is a clear indignation that most people today respond in one way or another to the dream like fantasies to various areas of human life: war, politics, sex, violence, death, conscience and the future of man. Films have been used to put forward various attitudes towards war. A few examples are: the racist film, Birth of a Nation (1915); Nazi film, The Triumph of the Will (1936). In fact, film reinforces attitudes and prejudices, but there is no evidence that they create them. Although all films are political, at least by their implications there are few films dealing directly with politics and fewer still find their way into India. The Battleship Potemkin and battle of Algiers are good examples. These political films help the mass to understand the political situation of a state. Real death is hardly depicted on the screen. By real death is meant not only the destruction of a body and apparently also that of a person, but the last act of a human being in this world, be it in love or hatred, in peace or anguish, in old age or sickness, by accident or willful violence. Some of the most human deaths evoked on the screen are the five deaths in Apu trilogy by Satyajit Ray. In all three i.e. ‘Pather Panchali’, ‘Aparajito’, ‘Apu Sansar’- we see death of the old woman, the young girl Durga, the middle aged father, the lone mother and the young bride. The chief characteristic of these deaths are that they are part of a life processes and as such they can admit of a certain transcendence. It makes us know the value of human life.

A study of the origins of the cinema helps us to understand the nature of the medium. There was an evolution from the cinematograph of the Lumiere brothers to the cinema of the George Melies. The cinematograph recorded the actual movements. Cinema and cinematograph remains as it were two poles attracting films during the process of their reaction. With its socio-cultural environment, the problem of illiteracy and of different language, the film is the most powerful medium of communication. It can culturally cut across the barriers and with its universal language can even largely overcome the language difficulties. Films can carry not mere information; they can even create a strong desire for change and modernization. Films can create social awareness and even arouse strong emotions. Films provide one of the voices through which it can speak to the world (Kumar, 2004). 

In the same way, the thesis topic chosen here is portrayal of mental disorders in Bollywood feature film- a case study on the film ‘My Name is Khan’ (2010).  Here again the focus is on the main actor or protagonist. This topic has been chosen because from past 2-3 years, Bollywood films have brought to light more of social awareness films that give social messages. For example, the film Taare Zameen Par (2007) has brought the awareness of the learning disorders in children: Dyslexia. This film helped lot of people that there exists such kind of disorder and that they should treat these children with care and support. Similarly the movie, My Name is Khan (2010) gives awareness to the public audience about the pervasive developmental disorder that is Asperger syndrome. Therefore, films play an important role in communication such messages. Told the portrayal of health and mental problems is dealt more in films than others. This has been a new trend since past few years from now.

According to a research finding 2002-2006 International research, mental illness tends to be portrayed negatively in the mass media in both news and entertainment media this is supported by Australian studies. The presentation of negative images of mental illness in both fiction and non-fiction media results in the development of more negative beliefs about mental illness. Studies show that, 51% respondents in national study in US felt the depiction of people with mental illness in entertainment industry were negative. 43% behavior coverage of mental illness in news was negative, says the website on reporting suicide and mental illness-a resource for media professional.

1.7  Film- My Name is Khan

My Name is Khan (2010)

Director: Karan Johar

In the film, the main role Rizwan Khan has been played by Shah Rukh Khan and actress is Kajol as Mandira. Rizwan Khan is suffering from Asperger syndrome in the film. He exhibits different symptoms like: no social interaction, hates loud noise, hates yellow colour, keeps repeating words i.e. Echolalia, less eye contact and above average intelligence. These symptoms are found in the Asperger’s syndrome. Moreover, the movie brings out the out casting or ill treatment of Muslims after the 9/11 incident and after the Iraq war. The prejudices the American had towards the Muslims has been portrayed in the film very well. It has also portrayed the political conditions and the impact the Muslims had because of the media. All these aspects are dealt very well in the film.

Also in the film, Mandira marries Rizwan Khan and the impact she has because he is a Muslim. She loses a son. This brings separation between the two. Therefore, this film has brought to light the religious aspects, health aspects and also the social conditions like prejudices and attitude. Nevertheless, the interaction between the two races i.e. Indian and American has been brought out very well. Also, how the media had exaggerated some news and imposed in the minds of the public about war and which in fact led to prejudices.  Rizwan as a child is also shown through flashback. So, a film like this has covered wide variety of themes which in fact gives us the idea of the new trends in Bollywood films.

If we compare the symptoms mentioned above and the symptoms shown in the film, most of them are similar. The symptoms mainly include:

• inappropriate or minimal social interactions
• conversations almost always revolving around self rather than others
• repetitive speech
• lack of "common sense"
• problems with reading, math, or writing skills
• obsession with complex topics such as patterns or music
• average to below-average nonverbal cognitive abilities, though verbal cognitive abilities are usually average to above-average
• awkward movements
• odd behaviors or mannerisms

If we compare this to the film-My Name is Khan, then we will find the character Rizwan Khan having the following symptoms: repetitive speech, awkward movements, odd behaviour like in the film he’s scared of the yellow colour. He also hates loud noise and is interested in jig saw puzzles. Moreover, his eye contact is very less and most importantly less or fewer social contact.

1.8 Summary

This chapter has thrown light on the definition of films, different types of films, pervasive developmental disorder i.e. Asperger syndrome, causes, symptoms and treatment. Moreover, this chapter has covered how different themes are portrayed in films. Moreover, how mental disorder like Asperger’s syndrome is portrayed in the film- ‘My Name is Khan’. This chapter tells how Bollywood has changed its themes and has started new trend of giving awareness about disorders and disabilities.

Chapter-2

Research Methodology

2.1 Research Methodology

Research Methodology

Research in simple words means a search for facts, answers to questions and solutions to problems. It is a purposive investigation. It is an “organized inquiry”. It seeks to find explanations to unexplained phenomenon, to clarify the doubtful propositions and to correct the misconceived facts. The search for facts may be made through arbitrary method or scientific method.

Arbitrary method of seeking answers to questions is based on imagination, opinion, blind belief or impression. Scientific method: this is a systematic rational approach to seeking facts. It is objective, precise and arrives at conclusions on the basis of verifiable evidences.

Types and Methods of Research

According to the intent, research may be classified as: Pure Research, Applied Research, Exploratory Research, Descriptive Research, diagnostic Research, Evaluation studies, Action Research. According to the methods of study, research may be classified as: Experimental Research, Analytical Study, Historical Research, and Survey.

Pure research: it is undertaken for the sake of knowledge without any intention to apply it in practice, e.g.: Galileo’s contribution. It is also known as basic or fundamental research. It is undertaken out of intellectual curiosity or inquisitiveness. It is not necessarily problem-oriented. It aims at extension of knowledge. It may lead to either discovery of a new theory or refinement of an existing theory.

Applied Research: It is carried on to find solution to a real-life problem, which in turn requires an action or policy decision. It is thus problem-oriented and action-directed. It seeks an immediate and practical result. E.g., marketing research carried on for developing a new market or for studying the post-purchase experience of customers.

Exploratory or Formulative research: Exploratory research is preliminary study of an unfamiliar problem about which the researcher has little or no knowledge. It is similar to a doctor’s initial investigation of a patient suffering from an unfamiliar malady for getting some clues for identifying it. It is ill-structured and much less focused on pre-determined objectives. It usually takes the form of a pilot study. The steps in exploration are: a review of pertinent literature, an experience survey and analysis of ‘insight stimulating’ cases.

Descriptive Research: it is a fact-finding investigation with adequate interpretation. It is the simplest type of research. It is more specific than an exploratory study, as it has focus on particular aspects or dimensions of the problem studied. It is designed to gather descriptive information and provides information for formulating more sophisticated studies. Data are collected by using one or more appropriate methods: observation, interviewing and mail questionnaire. All problems do not lend themselves to descriptive study.

Diagnostic Study: this is similar to descriptive study but with a different focus. It is directed towards discovering what is happening, why is it happening and what can be done about it. It aims at identifying the causes of  a problem and the possible solution for it. A diagnostic study may also be concerned with discovering and testing whether certain variables are associated, e.g., do more villagers than city-voters vote for a particular party?

Evaluation studies: it is one type of applied research. It is made for assessing the effectiveness of social or economic programmes implemented (e.g., family planning scheme) or for assessing the impact of developmental projects (e.g., irrigation project) on the development of the project area. Evaluation research is thus, directed to assess or appraise the quality and quantity of an activity and its performance, and to specify its attributes and conditions required for its success. Evaluations are of three types:

Concurrent evaluation: this is a continuous process and part takes the nature of an inspection or social audit of an on-going programme. It aims at the evaluation of the quality implementation and services as a feed back for improving the performance.

Periodic Evaluation: This is made after each distinct phase or state of a project has been completed. In the case of a medium period time-bound programme like 5 year plan, this evaluation may be done in the middle of the period and it may be called mid-term/interim evaluation.

Terminal evaluation: this is done after the completion of a programme or project (e.g., an irrigation project). This is designed to assess the extent of the achievement of its goals or objectives. It may also involve a benefit-cost analysis. In the case of a project with long-gestation period (e.g., an irrigation project), the appropriate methodology for terminal evaluation will consists of a survey-cum experimental design.

Action Research: it is a type of evaluation study. It is a concurrent evaluation study of an action programme launched for solving a problem/for improving an existing situation. In the quest for development, advancement, excellence and promotion of welfare of people, government, institutions and voluntary agencies undertake action programmes for achieving specific goals or objectives. Land reform programmes, agriculture extension programmes, social welfare programmes, human resource development programmes, managerial improvement programmes, rural development programmes, programmes for improving the quality of life in factories and offices, etc., are some examples of action programmes. The criterion of relevance for action is of critical importance in action research.

Experimental research: it is designed to assess the effects of particular variables on a phenomenon by keeping the other variables constant or controlled. It aims at determining whether and in what manner variables are related to each other. The factor, which is influenced, by other factors is called a dependent variable, and the other factor, which influence it, are known as independent variables. For example: agricultural productivity.

Analytical study or Statistical method: it is a system of procedures and techniques of analysis applied to quantitative data. It may consist of a system of mathematical models or statistical techniques applicable to numerical data. Hence, it is also known as the statistical method. This study aims at testing hypothesis and specifying and interpreting relationships. It concentrates on analyzing data in depth and examining relationships from various angles by bringing in as many relevant variables as possible in the analysis plan. This method is extensively used in business and other fields in which quantitative numerical data are generated. It is used for measuring variables, comparing groups and examining association between factors. Data may be collected from either primary sources or secondary sources.

Historical Research: it is a study of past records and other information sources with a view to reconstructing the origin and development of an institution or a movement or a system and discovering the trends in the past. It is descriptive in nature. It is a difficult task; it must often depend upon inference and logical analysis of recorded data and indirect evidences rather than upon direct observation. Its objective is to draw explanations and generalizations from the past trends to understand the present and to anticipate the future. It enables us to grasp our relationship with the past and to plan more intelligently for the future. The past contains the key to the present and the past and the present influences the future. Historical study helps us in visualizing the society as a dynamic organism and its structures and functions as evolving, steadily growing and undergoing change and transformation.

Surveys: it is a ‘fact finding’ study. It is a method of research involving collection of data directly from a population or a sample thereof at particular time. It must not be confuse with the mere clerical routine of gathering and tabulating figures. It requires expert and imaginative planning, careful analysis and rational interpretation of the findings. Data may be collected by observation, or interviewing or mailing questionnaires. It is always conducted in a natural setting; it is a field study. It seeks responses directly from the respondents. It can cover a very large population.

Case Study: it is an in-depth comprehensive study of a person, a social group, an episode, a process, a situation, a programme, a community, an institution or any other social unit. It is one of the popular types of research methods. Its purpose may be to understand the life cycle of the unit under study or the interaction between factors that explain the present status or the development over a period of time. The case study method describes a case in terms of its peculiarities. It gives us an insight into the typical or extreme cases whose unique features are not reflected by the usual statistical method. It examines complex factors involved in a given situation so as to identity causal factors operating in it. A case study aims at studying everything about something rather than something about everything as in the case of a statistical method.

Field Studies: they are scientific enquiries aimed at discovering the relations and interactions among sociological, psychological and educational variables in social institutions and actual life situations like communities, schools, factories, organizations and institutions. A social or institutional situation is selected and the relations among the attitudes, values, perceptions and behaviours of individuals and groups in the selected situation are studied. In building a science of social psychology, field studies have unique roles to play.

Methods of Data Collection

Sources of Data can be classified into primary sources and secondary sources.

Primary sources are original sources from which the researcher directly collects data that have not been previously collected, e.g., collection of data directly by the researcher on brand awareness, brand preference, brand loyalty and other aspects of consumer behavior from a sample of consumers by interviewing them. Primary data are first-hand information collected through various methods such as observation, interviewing, mailing etc.

Secondary Sources are sources containing data which have been collected and compiled for another purpose. The secondary sources consist of readily available compendia and already complied statistical statements and reports whose data may be used by researchers for their studies, e.g., census reports, statistical statements and so on.

Methods of collecting primary data

Observation: it means viewing or seeing. We go on observing something or other while we are awake. But observation in a method of data collection is different from such casual viewing. It may be defined as a systematic viewing of a specific phenomenon in its proper setting for the specific purpose of gathering data for a particular study. Observation as a method includes both seeing and hearing, it is accompanied by perceiving as well. Observation is a classical method of scientific enquiry. Observation plays a major role in formulating and testing hypothesis in social sciences. There are various types of observation like: participant observation- in this observation, the observer is a part of the phenomenon or group which is observed and he acts as both an observer and a participant.

Non- participant observation: in this method, the observer stands apart and does not participate in the phenomenon observed. Naturally, there is no emotional involvement on the part of the observer.

Direct observation: this means observation of an event personally by the observer when it takes place. This method is flexible and allows the observer to see and record subtle aspects of events and behavior as they occur. He is also free to shift places, change the focus of the observation.

Indirect Observation: this does not involve the physical presence of the observer, and the recording is done by mechanical, photographic or electronic devices, e.g. recorder, camera. It provides a permanent record for an analysis of different aspects of the event.                        

Controlled observation: this involves standardization of observational techniques and exercise of maximum control over extrinsic and intrinsic variables by adopting experimental design and systematically recording observations.

Uncontrolled observation: this does not involve control over extrinsic and intrinsic variables. It is primarily used for descriptive research. Participant observation is a typical uncontrolled one.

Experimentation: it’s used to study the casual relationship between variables. It aims at studying the effect of independent variables on dependent variables by keeping the other independent variable constant through some type of control.

Simulation: it is a process of conducting experiments on a symbolic model representing a phenomenon. It is applied to various categories of problems like political, economic, business and war strategies and tactics.

Interviewing:  it may be defined as a two way systematic conversation between an investigator and an informant, initiated for obtaining information relevant to a specific study. It involves not only conversation, but also leaning from the respondent’s gestures, facial expressions and pauses, and his environment. Interviewing requires face-to-face contact or contact over telephone and calls for interviewing skills. It is done by using a structured schedule or an unstructured guide.

Panel Method: it is a method of data collection, by which data is collected from the same sample respondents at intervals either by mail or by personal interview. This is used for longitudinal studes on economic conditions, expenditure pattern, consumer behavior, recreational pattern, effectiveness of advertising, voting behavior and so on. The period over which the panel members are contacted for information may spread over several months or years. The time interval at which they are contacted repeatedly may be 10 or 15 days, or one or two months depending on the nature of the study and the memory span of the respondents.

Mail survey: is another method of collecting primary data. This method involves sending questionnaires to the respondents with a request to complete them and return them by post. This can be used in the case of educated respondents only. The mail questionnaire should be simple so that the respondents can easily understand the questions and answer them. It should preferably contain mostly closed-end and multiple-choice questions so that it could be completed within a few minutes. The distinctive feature of the mail survey is that the questionnaire is self-administered by the respondents themselves and the responses are recorded by them, and not by the investigator as in the case of personal interview method.

Projective techniques:  it involves presentation of ambiguous stimuli to the respondents for interpretation. In doing so, the respondents reveal their inner characteristics. The stimuli may be a picture, a photograph, an ink blot or an incomplete sentence. The basic assumption of projective techniques is that a person projects his own thoughts, ideas and attributes when he perceives and responds to ambiguous or unstructured stimulus materials. Thus a person’s unconscious operations of the mind are brought to a conscious level in a disguised and projected from, and the person projects his inner characteristics.

Sociometry: is a method for discovering, describing and evaluating social status, structure, and development through measuring the extent of acceptance or rejection between individuals in groups. It is a means for studying the choice, communication and interaction patterns of individuals in a group. It is concerned with attractions and repulsions between individuals in a group. In this method, a person is asked to choose one or more persons according to specified criteria, in order to find out the person or persons with whom he will like to associate.         

Content Analysis: is a research technique for making inferences by objectively and systematically identifying specified characteristics of contents of documents. This is a method of data collection and analysis. This is used for gathering data from archival records, documents, newspapers, diaries, letters, minutes of meeting and like. The content of the written materials serves as a basis of inference.           The analysis is made objectively and systematically. Content analysis can be applied to available materials such as letters, diaries, newspaper articles and editorials, etc. and to materials like stories or essays especially produced for a particular research problem (Krishnaswami, 2008).

2.2 Objectives

·         To study the portrayal of mental disorders or disabilities in bollywood feature films.

·         To find out the change in attitude of the people towards a person with mental disorders due to watching these films.

·         To study the new trends wherein films with mental disorders used as themes.

·         To study how cinema as a medium of communication has influenced the public in spreading social awareness.

·         To learn whether films portray mental disorders in a negative or positive way.

·         To find out if films are an effective medium of communication of social awareness messages.

2.3 Research Design

This thesis uses quantitative collection of data as an input method.

The research took place in these six stages:

1)      Selection of the topic: The topic chosen here was: Portrayal of mental disorders in bollywood films, with a special case study of the film ‘My Name is Khan’.

2)      Research design planned for this study was using case study and survey method. Case study mainly included viewing of the films many times and analyzing its content.

The survey method was conducted with the help of a questionnaire. The sampling method used for this was Non-Probability sampling. The type of probability sampling used was purposive sampling method. The questionnaire was given to the students with a purpose and the purpose was to give the questionnaire to those who have watched the film ‘My Name is Khan’. The types of questions asked were close-ended questions. This means the fixed choice questions. They require the respondents to choose a response from those provided by the researcher. For e.g., whether a person has watched the movie My Name is Khan. The response options available were ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

3)      Planning a sample: Here the sampling method used was non-probability sampling. Sample size was 200 students in and around Mangalore.

4)      Collection of Data: Data was collected with the help of a questionnaire. This questionnaire was distributed to the students of various colleges using purposive sampling method.

5)      Analyzing the data: The data was analyzed with the help of pictographs. The calculation and tabulation were done manually.

6)      Preparing the report: After analyzing the data, the summary of the report, was given.

The methodology used for this study is survey and case study.

Survey: It is basically a fact finding study. It is a method of research which involves collection of data directly from the population or a sample at a particular time. It requires careful analysis, expert and imaginative planning and rational interpretation of the findings. The data for this method may be collected by observation or interviewing or mailing a questionnaire. The analysis of data may be made by using simple or complex statistical techniques depending on the objective of the study. It is mainly conducted in a national setting. It seeks responses directly from the respondents. It can cover a very large population. It mostly involves extensive and intensive study. Moreover it covers a definite geographical area: a city, district, or a state.

Case Study: It is an in-depth, comprehensive study of a person, an episode, a social group, a programme, a situation, a process, a community, or an institution. Its purpose is to mainly understand the life cycle of the unit under study and interaction between factors that explain the present status or the development over a period of time. For eg. A study of juvenile delinquency or a study of urban poor. It examines complex factors involved in a given situation so as to identify causal factors operating in it. A case study aims at studying everything about something rather than something about everything as in the case of statistical method. Case study gives a total view of a unit or a clear insight into a situation, a process in its total setting. The perspective of a case study is both qualitative and organic. It mainly gives an overall generic picture of a problem. It uses historical method, employs descriptive method where a factual method is needed, and also employs interviewing, mail questionnaire, checklist etc.

The sources of data collection were both primary and secondary. The questionnaire method was used to conduct the survey which elicited primary data. For the analysis of the film, again, the primary data method was used, i.e.: viewing of the film. To get the in-depth picture of the study, secondary data was collected via books, articles, journals and so on.

2.4 Survey Method

Questionnaire Method (17 Questions)

Sample Size: 200 students in Mangalore

Male: 91

Female: 109

UG Students: 167

PG Students: 33

2.5 Summary

Herein, the methodologies and strategies used for the collection of data have been discussed and elaborated. This chapter gives an insight into various types of methods used for data collection and types of research. It also provides information regarding the sources of data and the sample size used to accumulate the data.

Chapter-3

Review of Literature

Review of Literature

3.1 Introduction

Review of literature mainly means a researcher should know what to review and for what purpose. The main purpose of review is to gain background knowledge of the research topic, to identify the concepts relating to it, to identify data sources used by other researchers and to learn how others structured their reports. Sources of literature could be subject catalogues of libraries, documentation, services, bibliographies, lists of books and publisher’s bulletin, journals, government reports, research abstracts and information on research done. 

Moreover, a proper plan is necessary as it what information should be included and what is not useful. Also how to produce material from what is gathered by reading is also another issue of concern. Note taking and making source cards is necessary.

3.2 origin of the word Bollywood and commercial films

According to Derek Bose in his book, “Brand Bollywood”, has introduced the origin of the word ‘Bollywood’. First the author goes on to tell how the word tollywood was coined. It was used to describe a certain kind of progressive cinema produced by Calcutta’s Tollgunge Studios. Also, how from Tollywood it became Mollywood for the film production in Madras, Lollywood in Lahore, Kollywood for Karachi and then Bollywood gained its popularity. The author says according to the oxford English Dictionary; it recognizes Bollywood as a colloquial representation of India’s popular film industry based in Mumbai- a blend of Bombay and Hollywood.

The book says in the chapter first day first show that the Indian film industry streams the market with 800 old releases every year, 90% of which do not survive beyond a week at the box office. It means that every few hours, everyday, somebody, somewhere launches a feature film in this country. About 300 or so remain stillborn. This is because of absence of distributors. Then the author goes on to compare Hollywood industry, which produces around 200 titles annually for the past several decades. Actors like Govinda and Anil Kapoor were doing as many as five shifts a day and Mahesh Bhatt acquired the distinction of being India’s first director by remote control his film became huge box office hits. But today everything has changed. Film actors have become directors. Moreover, times are gone when people used to watch films in theatres. Today, we can watch television at home, pick up a DVD or VCD or browse the internet. The industry can also derive its revenue from television, radio, internet, animation, music, mobile phones and so on.

One size fits all says the author. Films like Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Koi Mil Gaya and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham cannot beat the jubilee hit like Sholay. The author says the producer should take care that following aspects are taken into consideration like honesty, narrative style, star line-up, elements of sex, bending the rules, financial prudence, publicity build-up, and creative accountability. Today there are digital cinemas, IMAX, animation, home videos; digital film making has changed the Bollywood industry.

Also HDTV, internet radio, digital audio led to rise of consuming classes. The book says that intention of every producer always is to play safe, recover costs and move on. But some feel that they run out of ideas. The problem could be resolved only if there are independent market research bodies advising producers on their projects since the very inception. But in the west, there are specialized consultancies run by marketing professionals who advise the studios at every stage on the dos and don’ts of making and distributing films. The role of market research is to influence the creation of a benchmark among the audience through a variety of means- Publicity material, launch announcements, official news releases and even feeding the gossip mills.

If content is king, distribution is God says Derek. The author says that Bollywood cinema is the only one that sells more tickets than any other country in the world. With the help of analyzing Hollywood’s recent experiences, we can change our approach to the business of film-making. In US, they have sequels of the lord of the ring, Spiderman, matrix reloaded. In the same way Bollywood film makers have made sequels. Every producer or director knows the best time to release a film on the weekend and during Diwali or Christmas holidays.  Freebies like caps, t-shirts, dolls, toys all lead to boost of publicity budget. Moreover, there are online games plus home videos which amounts to overall revenue peak. Also not to forget online rentals and downloads.

The book also talks about the Bollywood film makers inspired by film in regional languages. A Hindi hit like Munnabhai MBBS (2003) gets made into Tamil as Vasool Raja MBBS (2004) and vice versa. Dubbing is another way to get revenue. Hollywood movies like Titanic (1997), Spiderman (2002) and Anaconda (1993) were dubbed into Hindi and 3 local languages. Film makers also play upon brands. Moreover, we have multiplexes today. News channel, children’s channels and regional channel also give publicity to films. Copyrights are given to radio regarding the music. This is how movies still become popular. Anti-piracy campaigns also help in creating awareness. Consumption is more when it comes to HDTV, Internet radio, broadband wireless service. Bollywood has realized its true potential with Hollywood actors acting in Bollywood and vice versa. The book concludes saying that Indian entertainment industry will be alive with moving times.

3.3 Regional films in India

According to John H Hood in his book “the essential mystery”- the major film makers of Indian art cinema says that the one impression of India that does not miss the mark is the widely perceived notion of it as a land of movie mania. The author says that India has the biggest film industry in the world, producing more than seven hundred films a year, most for its home market and also for the market throughout the world. The book says that Indians were exposed to the first motion pictures, from the French Lumiere brothers that were shown at Watson’s Hotel in Bombay in July 1896. Soon after this the new phenomenon spread through various agencies and to major cities and towns and in 1912 films started to be produced in India. Then the author moves on to tell that the earliest movie made in India was the legendary Dada SahebPhalke’s Raja Harishchandra, which was first seen in 1913. It was considered to be the first of a long list of highly successful mythologies and also the most prominent genre of the silent era, says Hood. The first sound film made in India, was Alam Ara (1931). With this more devotional films about great religious leaders were released such as Debaki Bose’s Chandidas (1932) and Vidyapati (1937).

The book also says that some of the best India’s films have dealt with subjects that have an immediacy that is especially- though not necessarily exclusively Indian. Hood says that many films that have urban contexts were mostly depicted with cars and western style of dress, architecture and furniture which would minimize the outward nature of Indianness, nevertheless often make their appeal primarily to an Indian audience in their representation of Indian problems in the light of Indian Values.

The author goes on to say that the art of cinema of India is sometimes referred to as Indian regional cinema, a somewhat unhappy term given the difficulty of determining as to what the precise meaning for ‘Regional’ is. The directors discussed in this book were from Kerala like GovindanAravindan and AdoorGopalakrishnan, both who made their films in their regional language, Malayalam. This is also true of RitwikGhatak, who made all his films in Bengali. Not to forget, ShyamBenegal and GovindNihalani who made their films in the national language, Hindi. Regional cinema says the author is probably better used as a term to describe the non-Hindi commercial cinema which derives from Madras, Trivandrum, Calcutta and other centers of popular movie making.

3.4 Film Analysis- My Name is Khan (2010)

Director- Karan Johar

The movie starts with the scene wherein Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) is leaving to US. He suffers from Asperger’s syndrome, a type of Autism that makes him walk in a challenged manner. He wants to meet the president, therefore he goes to Washington. But he is frisked because he is a Muslim. Then they show the flashback, as a boy, Rizwan was given more attention than his brother (Jimmy Shergill). Therefore, as he grew up his brother started resenting him. Rizwan also lost his mother in the process. He always remembers his mothers words that his name is Khan and that he is not a terrorist. Therefore, he keeps repeating these words throughout the movie.

Rizwan and his brother and his wife go to America. There his brother owns a huge shop and his business is selling beauty products. He also asks Rizwan his younger brother to sell the beauty products. Even though Rizwan is autistic, his IQ level is high. While selling the products he meets Mandira (Kajol) in a beauty parlour and she buys all his products. Rizwan likes Mandira a lot and keeps telling her to marry him. In the process, Mandira also falls for him and he shows her places she has never seen before. Mandira is a widow and has a son named Sameer. He goes to school and has his neighbor as his best friend.

But after the 9/11, world trade centre tragedy and after Iraq war, people had developed many prejudices and attitudes towards Muslims. Every American started hating them. They were the usual suspects. Mandira marries Rizwan and she changes her name. She becomes Mandira Khan and her son Sameer Khan. She even keeps the shop name as Mandira Khan Beauty Parlour. But the people of America resent this because it is a Muslim name. Therefore, even Sammeer faces lot of problems at school. He is bullied by his classmates. Once he gets into a fight and this result in his tragedy. He is murdered by his fellow classmates. And soon he is admitted to the hospital but doctors leave hopes on him. He dies and there are no witnesses for his murder. Mandira has a fight with Rizwan. She resents marrying him and having been changed her name. She tells him to leave her alone, and she insists on telling him to go to the president and tell that his name is Khan and that he is not a terrorist. So Rizwan leaves the place and goes on to meet the president of America (US).

Meantime even Georgia was hit by a flood due to which lot of people died and Rizwan starts helping them. Fortunately, there are two media people who are interested in covering his story as he is arrested for no reason. In the end, Rizwan meets the president and tells him that “My Name is Khan and I’m not a terrorist”. Mandira also gets back to him due to the publicity he got in television news. She is very happy. The obnoxious boys confess that they were responsible for Sameer’s death. Finally, Sameer gets justice. They become one again and also help the flood affected people in Georgia.

Psychological Analysis: Rizwan Khan suffers from Asperger’s syndrome. Loud noises make him nervous, the colour yellow freaks him out and he is unable to express his emotions clearly. His cognitive skills are good. He learns quickly and fixes broken things.  He gets upset very easily and acts weird. He is very sensitive to noise or sounds.

3.5 Origin and Recent developments in Indian popular films

According to K. Moti Gokulsing and Wimal Dissanayake, in their book- Indian Popular Cinema: a narrative of cultural change, says that though Indians settled overseas regard their countries of settlement as home, they still consider India as their spiritual and cultural home. There are good reasons why Indian cinema should be studied and one of them is study Indian Culture through its culture-specific cinema. The book also says that India is the largest film-producing country in the world. It produces over 900 films annually. Cinema is the only medium which opens a most useful window onto a culture and studies its intimacy and immediacy. According to Raymond Williams, culture is way of life. By studying a culture we acquire deeper meaning of the customs, behavior patterns, values, arts and crafts and the practices of everyday life of the people inhabiting that culture. The caste system is invariably associated with India because of its origin in Hindu religion. This in turn has influenced other religious groups in India as well. One can enter the world of the caste system and how it operates through the help of the film medium. This can be seen in the films like ‘The untouchable girl’ (Achut Kanya).

Deeper insight into the concepts like modernization, colonialism, nationalism and freedom for women can be acquired through Indian films. Moreover, the portrayal of women in Indian films in an interesting area of study and has been explored by number of feminist writer.

The author says that cinema not only reflects culture but it also shapes culture. Moreover, films have promoted aspects like modernization, westernization, urbanization, new ways of life, secularism, the emancipation of women and rights of minorities and relationship between Hindus and Muslims. Even magazines like stardust, filmfare, have generated discussion and influenced public opinion on issues like drugs and violence. Indian and western filmmakers have made films that studies India contrastively from a different and distinct angle of vision. Compared to the genres in western films, Indian filmmakers have created genres and styles that are distinctively their own, says the book. Today the film is the dominant form of entertainment in India. Through films we can see how others in their society live and we can examine our own culture.

The book gives the historical development of Indian Cinema. It says that after Lumiere brothers introduced cinematography in Paris in 1895, cinema also made its presence felt in India. Westerners made films in India using Indian scenery and culture, in films like Coconut Fair (1897), our Indian Empire (1897), A panorama of Indian Scenes and Procession (1898). Soon Indians entered into the domain of film-making. Harishchandra S. Bhatvadekhar, popularly known as Save Dada was the first Indian to make a film. His interests led him to make the first film called ‘The Wrestlers’ in 1899. After him followed F.B. Thanawala, who made his debut in 1900 with two of his films i.e. Splendid New View of Bombay (1900) and Taboot Procession (1900). In 1905, J.F. Madan, went on to establish the Elphinstone Bioscope Company in Calcutta. With this imported foreign actresses to act Indian Mythologies and folk tales, as Indian females were hesitant to expose themselves in front of the camera. By this time Indians were exposed to lot of western films like Vendetta, whirling the worlds, The Great Train Robbery, Don Jaun, and Uncle Tom’s Cabin and so on. Dhundiraj Govind Palke was influenced by film entitled Life of Christ. This made him bring out the 50 minute film ‘Raja Harishchandra’ released on May 3, 1913. This film was considered to be the first feature film by an Indian. Films made during the initial stage were inspired by the two celebrated epics- the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha. An example for this is ‘Keechaka Vadham’ (1917), which was the first feature film made in the south based on the Mahabharata. Only in 1931 the first Indian talkie: ‘Alam Ara’ was released. This film inspired many other directors to come. The 1950’s is known as the golden age of Indian popular cinema because of Satyajit Ray’s films like ‘Pather Panchali’, ‘Aparajito’ and ‘Apu sansar’ were released during this time and considered as the masterpieces of world cinema. Moreover, ‘Sant Tukaram’ was awarded with the best film of the year in the fifth international film exhibition at Venice in 1937. It got the first International Award and winner of Indian talkie.

The authors go on to make a distinction between Popular and artistic films. They say that the popular films are those which are seen and appreciated by the vast mass of Indian movie-goers. They convey simple clear moral messages and are largely melodramatic and musical in nature and form as mass entertainment whereas, artistic films are those which constitute only ten percent of the total output. They are realistic, seldom influenced by Neo-realism, and seek to capture a part of Indian reality. These kinds of films are shown at international film festivals in Paris, London, Berlin, Venice, Tokyo and Toronto. Internationally acclaimed Indian filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Ritwik Ghatak, Adoor Gopalkrishnan work in the artistic tradition. These two streams of filmmaking have their distinctions in terms of theme, style and techniques. It is in the popular films we see the ‘Indianness’ of Indian Cinema. With their unique combination of fantasy, action, song, dance and spectacle, these films constitute a distinctively Indian form of mass entertainment. Indian popular cinema has unique number of genres. The most significant among them are: Mythological films which narrate the ancient stories; devotional films that foreground the diverse forms of union with divinity; romantic films that deal with erotic passion as they confront social conventions; stunt films where the focus is on the action and physicality; historical films with fanciful costumes and stage settings; social films that explore social problems and issues and family melodramas that seek to explore tension and ups and downs within the matrix of the family. Popular films have played a vital role in creating in the minds of the public mind about the notions of heroism, duty, courage, modernity, consumption and glamour. Characters like hero, heroine, villain, comic are commonly found in Indian Cinema as well as in the popular cinema. The concept of evil is the central part of the Indian popular cinema. There is always a struggle between the good and the evil. They also say that Indian popular cinema means Hindi films produced in Bombay and known as ‘Bombay Films’ or even ‘Bollywood’.

The book says that the Artistic films are those which differ widely from popular films. They are realistic and seek to capture important aspects of Indian reality. The artistic films do not attract huge audience like the popular films do. They are usually low budget films and are screened at international film festivals. Often these films are made in regional languages and avoid glamour and vulgarity. The best example is the Satyajit Ray’s Apu trilogy. Some of the most popular artistic filmmakers are: Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Aravindan, Mani Kaul, Aparna Sen, Shyam Benegal, Vijaya Mehta, Ketan Mehta. This book also gives an insight into the traditional representations and economics of the film industry. Also the influence of religion in Indian films is very evident.

The relationship between cinema and society is brought through many films like the role of the family. Films like Mother India (1957), Deewar (1975) and Ram Lakhan (1989) have explored the role of mother. According to the book there are number of themes in the Indian films, they are: the family as a tradition and vulgarity. The film Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (1994) brings out the concept of joint family and also Indian culture and tradition. Sex and vulgarity has always been part and parcel of all popular cinemas. Scenes of Violence in the films had reached its peak with the film Sholay (1975), a film which has become a legend. This period saw the rise of Amitabh Bachchan as the ‘Angry young man’. This book also talks about the religion, ethnicity and caste in Indian cinema. Raj Kapoor’s Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978), focuses on the virtue of love, truth and beauty and makes a conscious effort to use religious ideas to enhance the story. Another excellent example is the film The Ritual (1977) by Girish kasaravalli, a Brahmanic ritual called ‘Ghattashraddha’, through which Brahmin widows were excommunicated, which simulates the rituals of death on a living person. This way Indian cinema has brought out films that are not religious but have religious concepts that organize the narrative. The representation of women in cinema is also described in this book. In traditional Indian society, women’s roles were mainly as daughter, wife and mother. According to the Manusmriti, a woman must not try to separate herself from her father, her husband and her sons. In society, a woman is subjected in childhood to her father, in youth to her husband and when her husband is dead, to her children.  Nevertheless, this ideal wife should be sexually pure and essence of sexual fidelity. The book quotes Richards (1995) who says that the Hindi films uphold the ‘traditional patriarchal views of society which, fearful of female sexuality, demands of the women a subjugation of her desires (Indian Popular cinema, pg. 77). The opposite of the wife is the vamp, modern woman, she imitates western women, drinks, smokes, visits night clubs, falls in and out of love. She is mostly portrayed as a morally degrade person and is punished for her unacceptable behavior. Again Richards (1995), has identified some strategies to display the female form and female sexual desires: tribal dress, dream sequences or wet saris and behind the bush. They also speak about the representation of women by women film makers. The female directors like Prema Karanth, Aparna Sen, Vijaya Mehta, Sai Paranjpye, Parvati Ghash, Vijaya Nirmala, Suprabha Debi, Bhanumathi and Kalpana Lajmi have brought out the experiences, problems and hardships encountered by women, from the viewpoint of women. Moreover, the book speaks about the recent developments in Indian popular cinema. Since the book was published in the year 1998, it speaks about the recent developments post 1960’s. It also brings out the details in the political, social and economic situation in India during the 1970’s and 1980’s. These films had new heroes and heroines. Also during the 1980’s and 1990’s, addition to ‘lady avengers’, there is explicit violence and vengeance by male stars in a number of films released. The villainy itself had changed. The book also speaks of the popular regional films in Kannada like Bhaktha Dhruva (1932), Samskara (1970); in Malayalam like Elippathayam (1981), in Tamil like Chandralekha (1948); in Telugu like Rangula Kala (1983); in Marathi like Samna (1975) and in Bengali 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981).

The book concludes saying that only a few Indian films will be box-office hits and endear themselves to the audience. Indian cinema has been shaped by the country’s political, socially and economically the India of the next century will be very different. By watching these films we can explore them sensitively and attain deeper understanding of Indian culture, its history, politics and values. Moreover we can learn to appreciate films with enhanced critical understanding. Also we can understand Indian society and culture better through comparisons and contrasts, the society and the culture we live in.

3.6 Portrayal of mental disorders in films:

Hollywood films have explored the concept of mental disorders in their films. Take for example, Rain Man (1988), this movie show the life of an autistic man (Dustin Hoffman). How he lives his day to day life, what things he does, what kind of symptoms shown and so on. Another film based on the true life of John Nash (Russell Crowe) who is a genius mathematician and noble prize winner but suffers from Schizophrenia in the film ‘The beautiful mind’. In the same way, there are other films like Momentum, Girl Interrupted and so on. Films often go beyond the extreme of entertainment and become a powerful medium to sensitize people regarding the special people in our society and how importance should be given to them. In the book, ‘Mad tales from bollywood: portrayal of mental illness in conventional Hindi cinema’ by Dinesh Bhugra says that the themes like psychopathy have characterized the films in the 1990’s. He reveals the culture’s approach towards mental illness and reflecting the impact of culture on films. Dr Dinesh Bhugra had chosen 12 films for his study and he found that at least one key character with some degree of mental disorder was found, this is context with Hollywood films. He adds that in most films, psychosis is poorly defined, with people shown hearing and responding to voices. Moreover, it is not the interpretation of the film maker instead it is the interpretation of the authors of popular novels. He says that it will be interesting to see how these authors got their ideas about the mental illness. In other articles, Dr Dinesh Bhugra says that films portray mental illness and mental health problem in a variety of ways. This in fact will be a great source for the medical students and psychiatric trainees about certain aspects about psychiatry. Bhugra exclaims that watching a film is useful when learning about mental state examination, how to reach a diagnosis, doctor patient interaction and personality disorder. This is even true when it comes to getting awareness about the disorder and about its symptoms and so on.

Films do depict reality but most of it escapism (flight from reality). To support the argument that films portray reality, Bhugra says that, films can offer realistic depictions of character styles and psychopathologic disorders as well as personal and family dynamics, with sub texts alluding to the prevailing social norms. The advantage of using films for teaching is that they are well produced, interesting and lively, and there are no concerns over confidentiality. Moreover, he goes on to say that the disadvantage of using films can be the distortion and stigmatizing portrayal of mental illness. Films can be used in teaching different subjects, including psychology, developmental psychopathology and individual and couple therapy. He also says that mental illness was een as caused by failure in love, stress or traumatic event.

3.7 About Asperger’s syndrome and mental disorders

The book Abnormal psychology by Barlow and Durant says that autism is a type of Pervasive developmental Disorder. They are a group of severely disabling conditions considered to be among the most difficult to treat and understand. They are a result of some structural differences in the brain that are usually evident at birth or become apparent as the child begins to develop. Asperger’s disorder is a type of a pervasive developmental disorder. According to the DSM-IV or ICD-10 (the International classification of Disease published by the World Health Organization), has given the criteria for this disorder. It has been covered by DSM-IV which says that it indicates severe and sustained impairment in social interaction that involves marked stereotypic i.e. repetitive behavior and inflexible observance to routines. Autism is the most frequent and most puzzling and disabling of the pervasive developmental disorders. It includes a wide range of problematic behaviors, including deficits in language, perceptual and motor developments and an inability to function in social situations. Kanner (1943) first described Autism in infancy and childhood. It is identified before a child is 30 months of age and may also be suspected in the early weeks of life.  The book says that a recent study shows that autistic behavior such as lack of empathy, attention to others, and ability to imitate is shown as early as 20 months. 

The clinical picture in Autism Disorder:

A Social Deficit: typically these autistic children do not show any need for affection or personal contact with anyone, usually not even seem to know or care who their parents are. These children express emotions as against the traditional description of the disorder that they lack emotional reaction. Numerous studies show that the lack of social interaction among autistic children is a common characteristic.

An absence of speech: another characteristic is the lack of or severely restricted use of speech. Though speech is very limited, speech is present, but only in the form of few words or by the use of echolalia- the parrot like repetition of a few words. Although echolalia is found in small degrees in normal children, with autistic it is persistent echolalia in about 75 per cent of autistic children. Research has found that the autistic children have language skills but they may not use it to express themselves as other children do. Moreover, they have s strong hatred towards auditory stimuli, crying even at the sound of a parent’s voice. The degree of pattern differs, they may severely agitate or panic by a very soft sound and at another time is totally oblivion to the loud noise.

Self-stimulation: this is another characteristic of autistic children. Repetitive movements such as head banging, spinning and rocking, may continue by the hour, which is bizarre.

Intellectual ability: in contrast to their behavior, autistics are skilled at fitting objects together. Their performance in puzzle or form boards may be average or above. Although some have regarded autistics to have potentials of normal intelligence, this view has been challenged by a number of investigators who consider most of these children to be mentally challenged. However, some autistic children show isolated abilities such as astounding memory capabilities. For instance, Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal of Raymond Babbitt, a man with autism in the movie, Rain Man. Recent studies have focused on the cognitive deficit of autistic children. Compared to other groups of children on cognitive skills, autistic children often show marked impairment. These children appear to have deficits in social reasoning but can manipulate objects.

Maintaining sameness: another unique characteristic is their preoccupation with and form strong attachments to unusual objects, such as rocks, light switches, film negatives or keys. Furthermore, their obsession with the maintenance of sameness is typically present. They are often regarded as negativistic because of their disobeying with requests.

Causal factors in Autism:

The precise cause of autism is not known. Evidence has shown that the defective genes or damage from radiation or other conditions during prenatal development may play a significant role for the real cause of this disorder. Some investigators have pointed out the existence of a possible genetic defect, a fragile site on the X chromosome, referred to as the fragile X syndrome that may occur among 8 per cent of the autistic males. In addition, 15 to 20 per cent of males with the fragile X syndrome are also diagnosed with autism, further suggesting a link between the two syndromes. Moreover, there are differences between autism and the fragile X syndrome, which suggest that there are qualitative differences between the two. Recent investigators believe that autism begins with some type of inborn defect that impairs an infant’s perceptual cognitive functioning-the ability to process incoming stimuli and to relate to the world. Socio cultural factors have also been postulated as causal elements in autism.

Treatments and outcomes:

In the past, the use of drug to treat autistic children has not proven effective. But the drug clomipramine has proven to be beneficial and effective. Moreover, behavior therapy in an institution setting has been used successfully in the elimination of self-injurious behavior, also the mastery over the fundamentals of social behavior and the developments of language skills. Parents of autistic children often find themselves in the extremely frustrating situation of trying to understand their autistic child, providing day to day and searching for possible educational resources for their child in the present health and educational environment.

3.8 Conclusion

Reading the above books and material, they give an idea of firstly what Bollywood films are and its origin. The material also elucidates the themes used in Indian films like role of family, vulgarity, caste system, women, religion and so on. They also gave the reason why Bollywood films have become a brand today. Also it helped to get the overview of the popular and artistic films. Moreover, the secondary data helped in the understanding of the disorder, autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Nevertheless, it gave the criteria for the disorder and the clinical perspectives and the treatments and therapies practiced widely.

CHAPTER IV - DATA AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Introduction

This chapter defines the processing and analysis of data. Processing of data is mainly a stage of work between data collection and data interpretation. In the data preparation step, the data is prepared in data format which allows the analyst to use modern analysis software such as SAS or SPSS. The data structure is basically a dynamic collection of related variables and can be conveniently represented as a graph whose modes are labeled by variables.  Editing is used in this process, this basically includes checking to detect and correct errors and omissions. Data editing happens while recording the data and secondly at the time of analysis of the data. Completeness, accuracy and uniformity are very important aspects here.

Coding and Classification: Coding process assigns numerals or other symbols to the several responses of the data set. When open-ended responses have been received, classification is necessary to code the response.

Tabulation: It’s a process of summarizing raw data and displaying them on compact statistical tables for further analysis. It involves counting the number of cases falling into each of the categories identified by the researcher.

Construction of Frequency Tables: It provides shorthand summary of data. Tables facilitate comprehending masses of data at a glance. They conserve space and reduce explanation and description to a minimum. Moreover they give a visual picture of a relationship between variables and categories. The components of the table include heading, body and notations.

Graphs, Charts and Diagrams: It is used in presenting the data of frequency distribution and statistical computation. It is desirable to use appropriate forms of graphic presentation. The different types are line graphs or charts, bar charts, segmental presentation, scatter plots, bubble charts and pictographs.

4.3 Data Analysis – Survey Method

The method used for For the survey method adopted, manual tabulation was adopted for data processing, after which analysis of the data was followed.

Out of the 200 students who took part in the survey, 91 were male, and 109 were females. Out of 91 males, 13 were POST GRADUATES and 78 were UNDER GRADUATE students.  Out of 109 females, 20 were postgraduate students and 89 were undergraduate students.

For comprehending the questions asked in the survey, the questionnaire has been attached in the last chapter.

Before starting any analysis, the data should be reviewed to identify and correct errors in the data which may have occurred when the dataset was created.

The process of analyzing survey data depends on the type of data and the number of questions in the survey. In general, most surveys use primarily closed format questions with categorical response options. A typical question using this format would be, "How much did you learn about ___________?" and provide response options of "A lot," "Some" "A little," "Nothing at all," and "Don't Know." This type of data requires the use of statistical methods that are appropriate for categorical data.

The analysis of data for a single question on a survey is fairly simple and begins by describing how responses are distributed among the categories. With the help of a statistical software package, a frequency table of counts and percentages can be calculated in a few seconds time The information from tables can be shown in graphical form to add color or emphasis in presentations for the audience.

4.3 Summary of Survey Results

The questions that were asked, and the responses of the participants of the survey are as follows:

1.       Had you heard of the Asperges Syndrome, a type of Autism before watching this film?

The green bar in the above chart shows the number of people who had already heard of the disorder even before watching the film, and the red bar shows the number of people who haven’t heard of it before.

2.       Is this the first time you’re hearing about Autism Asperges Syndrome in the film?

The green bar in the above chart shows the number of people who are hearing of the syndrome for the first time, and the red bar shows the number of people who haven’t heard of it before.

3.       Do you think this film portrays the real symptoms of Asperges Syndrome?

The green bar in the above chart shows the number of people who think that this film portrays the real symptoms of Asperges Syndrome. The red bar shows the number of people who feel this film does not portray the real symptoms of Asperges Syndrome. The blue bar shows the number of people who do not have a fixed opinion regarding the same.

4.       In the film, how do you think Rizwan Khan is portrayed?

The green bar in the above chart shows the number of people who are think that Rizwan Khan is portrayed positively and the red bar shows the number of people who think that he has been portrayed negatively.

5.       In this film, a person (Rizwan Khan) with mental disorder marries a normal lady (Mandira).  In reality, do you think society accepts such relations?

The green bar in the above chart shows the number of people who think that society accepts such relations, whereas the red bar shows the number of people who think that the society does not accept such relations.

6.       Do you think this film provides social awareness or social messages?

The green bar in the above chart shows the number of people who think that this film provides social awareness or social messages and the red bar shows the number of people who do not feel that this film provides social awareness or social messages. In this chart it is evident that the number of positive responses towards the film is very high, and that only a countable few feel that this film is devoid of social awareness messages.

7.       Do you appreciate films that give social awareness?

The green bar in the above chart shows the number of people who appreciate films which provide social awareness and the red bar shows the number of people who do not appreciate films providing social awareness. In this chart, again it is obvious that almost 99% of the audience appreciate films that show concern towards social problems.

8.       Do you think films in general, can help in communicating social messages or social awareness?

The green bar in the above chart shows the number of people who think that films in general, can help in communicating social messages or social awareness and the red bar shows the number of people who do not feel that films in general, can help in communicating social messages or social awareness. Again, majority positive response can be observed in the survey results.

9.       Do you think films have been successful in communicating messages about mental disorders and disability?

The green bar in the above chart shows the number of people who think films have been successful in communicating messages about mental disorders and disability and the red bar shows the number of people who do not think films have been successful in communicating messages about mental disorders and disability.

The seventh question, being what kind of films the surveyors like to watch had multiple options to choose from, such as comedy, action, romance, thriller, horror and social awareness. The responses were as follows:

The above chart shows the data collected from 13 Postgraduate Females

The above chart shows the data collected from 89 Undergraduate Females

The above chart shows the data collected from 13 Postgraduate Males

The above chart shows the data collected from 78 Undergraduate Males

From the results obtained after the survey, it is evident that all the surveyors watched Bollywood films. The same applies to another question which was asked, which suggested that all the 200 surveyors had watched the movie ‘My name is Khan’.

To the question, whether the attitude towards those suffering from mental disorders have changed after watching the movie, the participants of the survey had varied opinions including, but not limited to some of these mentioned below.

“Yes, It has definitely changed my mentality towards these people”

“I think the film directors have done an excellent job, which has compelled me to change my attitude towards these people”

“To some extent it has changed my views regarding these disorders. I pity such people”

“Earlier I never knew most of the disorders portrayed in the such films. After watching the film, I have become aware of all these. Hence it can be said as a commendable effort on the part of the film makers.”

“No. Because even earlier, I had the same attitude towards them”

“No, because these films rely on such emotional blackmailing to earn profits for themselves, so I don’t think it’s because of a film that I will change my attitude towards the suffering people”

Here, we see varied responses from the participants of the survey, but most of them saying that the film HAS influenced them in one way or the other.

4.4 Summary

In this chapter, the methods of data analysis and summary of the collected data have been accumulated and explained. Through this chapter, there is an effort to understand the working of the methods of collection and interpretation of the data, and arranging the survey results in both pictographic form as well as in textual form.

CHAPTER V -CONCLUSIONS, IMPLICATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

5.1 Conclusion

Through this study, it has been possible to understand the mindset of the people towards the portrayal of mental disorders in bollywood feature films. A special case study was conducted on the recent feature film – ‘My name is Khan’. To understand the mindset of the people, a quantitative analysis involving survey using questionnaires was followed. The questionnaire was distributed among 200 students of undergraduate and postgraduate streams.

Also the very term Bollywood, its history and its impact on society, and its significance as a medium of communication have been touched upon. Special attention has been given to the movie – ‘My Name is Khan’ which has been taken as the topic for a detailed case study.

The objectives and research methodology has been discussed in detail, providing insight into the way the research has been conducted and the methods employed – Surveys, Case Study, etc. The research design has been of a six tiered structure involving the selection of the topic, content analysis, planning samples, collection of data, analyzing the data, and finally preparing the report.

As a review of literature, four books have been taken as a source and have been analysed for the content, mainly pertaining to cinema in India, and how it has originated, developed and carved a niche for itself on not just india, but the world map as well. The findings and research of various authors have been gathered and presented in a systematic manner. The four books are ‘Brand Bollywood’ by Derek Bose, ‘Indian Popular Cinema’ by Gokulsing and Dissanayke, ‘Abnormal Psychology’ by Barlow and Durant and ‘The Essential Mystery’ by John Hood.

Any data collected in the process of a survey needs to be analyzed and tabulated in a proper way and presented in a comprehendible manner. For this purpose, the data has been tabulated in a manual manner, re-checked by manual verification and presented pictographically using bar graphs and pie charts, clearly depicting the segmentation of data.

5.2 Implications

Through this study, it is possible to get valuable insight into the feelings and attitude of the public towards people suffering from mental disorders. The study provides an indepth analysis into the way these mental disorders have been used as a theme in various bollywood movies, and whether it has been able to successfully and effectively act as a strong medium of communication.

5.3 Recommendations

The surveyed people feel that though an effort has been made by the film producers, it is not quite making the impact that it should, and hence suggest few ways to make the impact much more wider. Firstly, it is to be noted that such matters may have human sentiments attached to it, and hence must be approached in a careful manner. Deep research by the film makers is necessary as factual errors in the movies may lead to uncertainty and confusion between facts and myths regarding the particular disorder. Also, the film should aim at primarily educating the audience, and not concentrate on being a hit in the box-office taking advantage of the theme evoking sentiments among the masses.

5.4Limitations of the Study

Even though the survey was a quantitative survey, the limitation was that only 200 people took part in the survey, out of millions who watch bollywood movies in India. Hence only a miniscule audience has been involved in this survey, making the acquired data quite insignificant. Also, the survey was answered mostly by people of the age group 18-25, again making it very selective and constricted. Thus, the viewpoint of a larger section has been shrouded. Also, as the study involved a particular film being given top priority, the results again become shrouded.

Questionnaire

I am Crystal Andrade, student of Master of Communication and Media Studies. As a part of my studies I am conducting a survey on the film ‘My Name is Khan’.  I request you to fill this questionnaire.  Answer all questions; do not leave any question unanswered. Your identity will be kept confidential.

1.       Sex:  Male (    )   Female (    )

2.       Age:      18-22     (    )

22-28    (    )

28-60    (     )

3.      Qualification:

Undergraduate       (    )

Post-Graduate         (   )

4.       Do you watch Bollywood or commercial Hindi films?

Yes (   )                  No (   )

5.       What type of films do you like to watch? (Multiple Choice)

Comedy                                               (   )

Romance                                             (   )

Action                                                   (   )

Thriller                                                  (   )

Horror                                                   (   )

Social Awareness/Messages       (   )

6.       Have you watched the film ‘My Name is Khan’?

Yes (   )                  No (   )

7.       Had you heard of the Asperges Syndrome, a type of Autism before watching this film?

Yes (   )                  No (   )

8.       Is this the first time you’re hearing about Autism Asperges Syndrome in the film?

Yes (   )                  No (   )

9.       Do you think this film portrays the real symptoms of Asperges Syndrome?

Yes (   )                  No (   )                   Don’t know (   )

10.   In the film, do you think Rizwan Khan is portrayed

Negatively (   )                   Positively (   )    

11.   In this film, a person (Rizwan Khan) with mental disorder marries a normal lady (Mandira).  In reality, do you think society accepts such relations?

Yes (   )                  No (   )                  

12.   Do you think this film provides social awareness or social messages?

Yes (   )                  No (   )                  

13.   Do you appreciate films that give social awareness?

Yes (   )                  No (   )                  

14.   Do you think films in general, can help in communicating social messages or social awareness?

Yes (   )                  No (   )                  

15.   Do you think films have been successful in communicating messages about mental disorders and disability?

Yes (   )                  No (   )                  

16.   Following are the films related to mental disorders and disabilities released after 2006. Tick only those films which you’ve watched.

Woh Lamhe                                        (   )                         

Aparichit                                              (   )                         

Ekalavya                                               (   )                         

Apna Asmaaan                                  (   )                         

U Me Aur Hum                                  (   )                                         

Ghajini                                                  (   )                         

Krazzy 4                                                (   )                         

Karthik calling Karthik                     (   )                         

17.   After watching these films, has your attitude changed towards those suffering from mental disorders and illness?

Declaration

I, Crystal Maria Andrade, do hereby declare that this dissertation titled “Portrayal of mental disorders in Bollywood film- A  case Study of the film My Name is Khan” has been prepared by me during the year 2010, under the guidance and supervision of Rev Dr Richard Rego SJ, HOD, Mass Communication, St Aloysius College, Mangalore.

            I further declare that this dissertation has not been previously submitted or undertaken by others for any degree in this or any other University.

            Crystal Maria Andrade

       

                   Registration Number: 099704

Bibliography

1)    Hood, John W., The Essential Mystery: The Major Filmmakers Of Indian Art Cinema, New Delhi: Orient Longman, 2000.

2)    Bose, Derek ., Brand Bollywood, New Delhi: Sage Publications, 2006.

3)    Gokulsingh, Moti K., and Dissanayake, Wimal., Indian Popular Cinema: A Narrative of cultural change, New Delhi: Orient Longman,1998.

4)    Ahuja, Ram., Research Methods, Jaipur: Rawat Publications, 2001.

5)    Krishnaswami, O.R., and Ranganatham, M., Methodology of research in social sciences, Mumbai: Himalaya Publishing House, 1983.

6)    Carson, Robert C, et al., Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life, New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2003.

7)    Various, The internet.