Why Arundhati Roy’s Cult Classic Film Remains Relevant in India

The English Chronicle
Publishing Date: 14 February 2026
Desk: Culture & Society

Arundhati Roy is globally celebrated for her Booker Prize–winning novel The God of Small Things, but her lesser-known work in cinema has also achieved cult status. Decades after its release, her cult classic film continues to resonate in India — not merely as a cinematic achievement, but as a cultural mirror reflecting enduring social tensions.

In a country where political debate, identity, and dissent remain deeply contested, Roy’s storytelling — whether on the page or screen — has retained its power to provoke, challenge and inspire.

The film, often described as ahead of its time, tackled themes such as inequality, state power, and individual freedom — issues that continue to dominate Indian public discourse. While not a mainstream commercial blockbuster, it gained a devoted following for its unflinching narrative and layered characters.

Critics at the time praised its bold script and willingness to question authority, qualities that have only grown more striking with hindsight.

India’s socio-political landscape has evolved dramatically over the years, but many of the tensions Roy explored remain visible:

Freedom of expression: Ongoing debates around censorship and artistic freedom
Social inequality: Persistent divides along class and caste lines
National identity: Contested visions of India’s future direction

Film scholars argue that the movie’s relevance stems from its refusal to offer easy answers. Instead, it invites viewers to confront uncomfortable truths.

“Roy’s work refuses to be neutral,” said cultural critic Ananya Deshpande. “That’s precisely why it endures.”

Over time, the film has evolved from niche arthouse project to cultural reference point. University students, independent filmmakers, and activists often revisit it as part of broader discussions about dissent and storytelling in modern India.

Streaming platforms and digital restoration have introduced it to younger audiences who may not have experienced its original theatrical run.

Arundhati Roy has remained a prominent — and sometimes controversial — public intellectual in India. Her outspoken positions on development, human rights, and governance have frequently placed her at the centre of national debates.

For some viewers, the film’s renewed relevance is inseparable from Roy’s continued activism. The ideas she championed decades ago echo in contemporary discussions about democracy and civil liberties.

In a climate where political discourse can feel increasingly polarised, works that challenge prevailing narratives often gain fresh urgency. The film’s themes of resistance, moral ambiguity, and personal conscience resonate strongly in today’s India.

Analysts suggest that cult classics endure not because they were universally embraced, but because they spoke deeply to specific communities — and continue to do so across generations.

Why is writer Arundhati Roy’s cult classic film still relevant in India? Because the questions it asked have not disappeared. In fact, many have intensified.

As India navigates complex debates about identity, power and freedom, Roy’s cinematic vision remains more than a relic of the past — it is a living, breathing part of the country’s cultural conversation.

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