From "Anniyan" to "Pink": How Movies Reshape Society’s View on Law
- sangalgouranshi02
- Apr 3, 2025
- 2 min read
Cinema isn’t just entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for social change.
Movies have the unique ability to reflect society’s flaws, challenge deep-rooted biases, and even inspire legal reforms. Two films that stand out in this regard are Shankar’s Anniyan and Pink. While one exposes the failures of the justice system, the other redefines societal attitudes toward consent and gender rights.
1. Anniyan – When the Legal System Fails, Does Vigilantism Become Justified?
Anniyan exposes the dangerous consequences when justice systems fail - turning law-abiding citizens into vigilantes. The film's real power lies in making us question systemic flaws, not just individual actions. It's a wake-up call for judicial reforms that ensure timely justice before society takes matters into its own hands.
2. Pink– A Turning Point in India’s Understanding of Consent
Pink revolutionized India's understanding of consent through its hard-hitting courtroom drama. Amitabh Bachchan's iconic 'No means no' monologue dismantled victim-blaming myths while exposing how society criminalizes women's freedom. The film became more than entertainment - a vital tool for gender sensitization and legal education.
How Movies Influence Society’s View on Law
1. Jolly LLB
A legal drama that exposes judicial corruption and the struggles of an underdog lawyer seeking justice. It highlights ethical dilemmas, the power of perseverance, and the stark contrast between privileged lawyers and those fighting for the common man.
2. Section 375
A courtroom drama that explores the complexities of consent, legal loopholes, and the interpretation of justice in sexual assault cases.
3. Thappad
It challenges societal norms by questioning whether a single slap justifies ending a marriage. It highlights the legal and emotional struggles of seeking justice in domestic abuse cases.
4. Damini
Damini is a powerful legal drama that highlights the fight for justice in a rape case. It showcases the challenges of speaking against societal norms, legal corruption, and the resilience needed to uphold the truth.
5. Court
Court is a realistic courtroom drama that critiques the complexities and inefficiencies of the Indian legal system. Through the trial of a folk singer accused of inciting suicide, the film exposes bureaucratic red tape and outdated laws.
🔥 PODCAST ALERT: "When Bollywood Becomes the Courtroom - How Films Like 'Pink' & 'Anniyan' Are Rewriting India's Justice Narrative!"
Join us for a riveting conversation with Sathyagopal (Legal Counsel, Infosys) as we unpack cinema's explosive power to transform legal consciousness! 🎬⚖ Discover how:
"Pink" weaponized storytelling to shatter rape myths and make "No Means No" a national mantra overnight.
"Anniyan" exposed judicial rot so viscerally it sparked mainstream debates about vigilante justice.
These films didn't just reflect society - they hacked India's collective mindset on justice!"