Cinematic resistance in naming: How Kabali reflects, mediates and challenges caste dynamics in diasporic contexts

This study examines Kabali (2016) using critical discourse analysis (CDA) to explore how the film represents caste-based resistance and identity formation in a diasporic context. The study analyses the film’s linguistic and visual aspects, focusing on correlations, name associations, nominalization, lexical choices, agency, presuppositions, dialogue, body language, clothing and cultural symbols that signify ideologies. These strategies are examined to exhibit how they shape caste-based power dynamics. The titular character’s power reclamation and name signify resistance against caste discrimination across borders. The study analyses critical scenes, such as monologues and lyrics from songs, to determine how these elements contribute to the narrative. Data collection involves systematically analysing dialogue in the subtitle by focusing on metaphors, nominalization, presuppositions and visual analysis of the settings to reveal how caste hierarchies are depicted across various modes. These elements are coded using RStudio according to the corresponding occurrences in the subtitle.