AIDS Messages in Three Aids-Themed Indian Movies: Eroding Aids-Related Stigma in India and Beyond (Report‪)‬

Abstract This article begins by supplying a brief summary of the state of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in India. It then provides an overview of Indian cinema and describes the limited cinematic response to India's HIV/AIDS epidemic. It discusses at some length three AIDS-themed feature films produced mid-decade, 21st century. In so doing, the article describes seven AIDS-related messages contained in the films, and explains the ways each message is incorporated into all three of their narratives. The article then briefly explores the phenomenon of AIDS-related stigma and shows how the content of these three films works against the maintenance of prejudicial attitudes against HIV/AIDS-affected people. The article briefly considers the potential of Indian cinemas to contribute to stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS beyond India's borders.