Author(s): Shyla. M, Dr. J Sheila

Abstract: Arundhati Roy's essays "The Great Indian Rape Trick" offer a critical analysis of the representation of reality in media, focusing on Shekhar Kapur's film "Bandit Queen" and its portrayal of Phoolan Devi's life. Roy challenges the film's claim of being a "true story," arguing that it distorts Devi's narrative by overemphasizing her experiences of sexual assault and reducing her identity to that of a victim. The study explores how media narratives often sensationalize violence while failing to address underlying societal issues, reinforcing existing power dynamics and perpetuating systemic discrimination. Roy's critique examines the ethical implications of asserting "truth" in films portraying real individuals, highlighting the oversimplification of complex situations and the potential exploitation of subjects. The essay raises significant questions about the nature of representation, power dynamics in storytelling, and the complexities of translating lived experiences into visual media. Roy's analysis encourages readers to consider the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers when handling sensitive biographical content and the possible repercussions of presenting a single narrative as definitive truth. The study contributes to the broader discourse on media representation and its implications for social awareness and policy-making, emphasizing the need for responsible and nuanced portrayals of sensitive issues.

Keywords: Bandit Queen, Justice, Media, Reality, Violence

Article Info: Received: 07 Apr 2025; Received in revised form: 02 May 2025; Accepted: 08 May 2025; Available online: 12 May 2025

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.103.12