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‘Dangal’ causes heated debate on feminism in China

Whilst Aamir Khan’s ‘Dangal’ (2016) continues to break box office records in China, it is also creating a new kind of wave as well in the country.  The film has raised heated debate on the role of feminism within China.

The blockbuster is expected to cross 500crores at the China box office and has been met with resounding success.  However reports are also doing the rounds of viewers being angry at the patriarchal values shown in the story.

Hindustan Times reports on local Chinese papers stating viewers have criticised the film. “The father’s values make me vomit; he forces his daughters to live a certain type of life with his dream, with money and becoming a champion. You think the movie is about breaking gender stereotypes, but actually it’s knee-deep in prejudice,” quoted one viewer.  Another went onto add the film depicts the daughters being forced into wrestling at the whim of their father and not having a choice in their own chosen path.

However, in a country that is split over its stance on feminism, many have praised the film for inspiring parents and for breaking gender stereotypes.  Criticism of the film online has also been met with sharp debate about the role of gender equality in China.

Whilst the online debate continues to rage, it doesn’t appear to be stopping the film from marching onto more and more success whilst opening the channels for continued debate.