From Silence to Revolt: Resistance and Subaltern Assertion in Asuran and Karnan
Sr No:
Page No:
67-71
Language:
English
Authors:
Dr. Padmapriya P. *
Received:
2026-03-16
Accepted:
2026-04-17
Published Date:
2026-04-28
Abstract:
Tamil cinema has become an important space for expressing the voices of marginalized communities and questioning social
inequalities. This paper studies the films Asuran (2019) and Karnan (2021) using Resistance Theory. It examines how these films
portray the struggle of oppressed communities against caste oppression and social injustice. Both films show the harsh realities faced
by marginalized people and present resistance as a natural response to violence, humiliation, and exclusion. Using Resistance Theory
as the main framework, this study explores different forms of resistance shown in the films. Asuran presents resistance through the
journey of an oppressed farmer who slowly changes from silent endurance to open rebellion against feudal power. In contrast, Karnan
portrays resistance as a collective uprising where an entire village stands against neglect and police violence. The paper also studies
how cinematic elements such as symbolism, storytelling, and character development strengthen the themes of resistance, dignity, and
justice. By placing these films within the larger context of caste oppression and subaltern struggles, the study argues that Tamil cinema
can function as a powerful medium of social and political resistance. The films ultimately show that resistance can help marginalized
communities reclaim their dignity, identity, and rights.
Keywords:
Resistance Theory, Subaltern Resistance, Tamil Cinema, Caste Oppression, Dalit Assertion, Social Justice.