The “Subaltern” Will Speak

Abstract

Popular culture reinforces dominant ideologies, maintaining existing power structures by normalizing specific beliefs and values. This results in the marginalization of certain social groups and distorted media representations. However, resistance movements and counter-narratives challenge these norms, particularly in postcolonial contexts where the concept of the 'subaltern' is prominent. The expansion of OTT platforms in India and Pakistan has stimulated conversations on sensitive topics and disrupted conventional entertainment. OTT series employ subaltern characters to shed light on the challenges, fostering a sense of empathy. India and Pakistan, despite their differences, share cultural similarities. This study compares the portrayal of 'subalterns' in both nations, analyzing the highly rated Indian web series, 'Dahaad,' and Pakistani series, 'Churails.' Guided by Gayatri Spivak's subaltern theory, the study assesses how these OTT series, whether fully or partially embracing this theory, contribute to equitable depictions of marginalized communities and enduring social change.