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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
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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.

Journal: MRS Journal of Arts, Humanities and Literature
ISSN(Online): 3049-1444
Publisher: MRS Publisher
Frequency: Monthly
Language: English

From Silence to Revolt: Resistance and Subaltern Assertion in Asuran and Karnan