From physical duplicates to role reversals and sexual masquerades, Storytelling in Hindi Cinema provides a comprehensive overview of Hindi films centered around the figure of the double.
Richard Allen dissects the cultural significance of these double-themed plots, considering how they reflect questions of social mobility, the expression of desire, social justice, and national identity in the post-colonial period. He considers the wide array of influences that shape the genre, from Sanskrit Kathasaritsagara story-telling traditions, folk Nautanki theatres, and Tales of the Arabian Nights to colonial and post-colonial roots from Shakespeare to Hollywood melodrama. He asserts the influence of Bengali cinema, particularly of filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee, and South Indian films like Hello Brother (1994) in providing diverse perspectives that enrich these narratives.
Examining a broad range of films, from 1947 to present, including Mahal (1949), Madhumati (1958), Chupke Chupke (1975), Angoor (1982), Banjaran (1991), Kal Ho Na Ho (2003) and Dostana (2008), Allen traces the evolution of the trope, even incorporating transgressive narratives like cross-dressing and gender disguise. In doing so, he highlights how these cinematic motifs navigate the complexities of traditional worldviews and modern experiences.

- 355 pages
- English
- PDF
- Available on iOS & Android
eBook - PDF
About this book
Trusted by 375,005 students
Access to over 1.5 million titles for a fair monthly price.
Study more efficiently using our study tools.
Information
Subtopic
Film & VideoTable of contents
- Cover
- Half Title
- Series Page
- Title
- Copyright
- Contents
- Figures
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- 1 Double Trouble
- 2 Role Substitution and Imposture
- 3 Comedies of Error
- 4 The Wrong Man
- 5 The Wrong Woman
- 6 Sexual Masquerade
- 7 Reincarnation and Romance
- Notes
- Introduction
- 1 Double Trouble
- 2 Role Substitution and Imposture
- 3 Comedies of Error
- 4 The Wrong Man
- 5 The Wrong Woman
- 6 Sexual Masquerade
- 7 Reincarnation and Romance
- Appendix: Fact and Fiction
- Indian Filmography
- Index
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cancel anytime from the Subscription tab in your account settings on the Perlego website. Your subscription will stay active until the end of your current billing period. Learn how to cancel your subscription
No, books cannot be downloaded as external files, such as PDFs, for use outside of Perlego. However, you can download books within the Perlego app for offline reading on mobile or tablet. Learn how to download books offline
Perlego offers two plans: Essential and Complete
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.5M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
We are an online textbook subscription service, where you can get access to an entire online library for less than the price of a single book per month. With over 1.5 million books across 990+ topics, we’ve got you covered! Learn about our mission
Look out for the read-aloud symbol on your next book to see if you can listen to it. The read-aloud tool reads text aloud for you, highlighting the text as it is being read. You can pause it, speed it up and slow it down. Learn more about Read Aloud
Yes! You can use the Perlego app on both iOS and Android devices to read anytime, anywhere — even offline. Perfect for commutes or when you’re on the go.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app
Yes, you can access Storytelling in Hindi Cinema by Richard Allen in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Media & Performing Arts & Film & Video. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.