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Mantra

Name: Mantra
Director: Nicholas Kharkongor
Released: 2017
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

2017

Director

Nicholas Kharkongor

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Mantra is a grounded drama that finds its strength in its ethnic specificity. By centering an Indian business owner, the film provides a platform for South Asian professional ability to act and explores economic struggles within a non-Western context. However, the film follows a standard dramatic structure that lacks depth in addressing multiple aspects of identity. The focus on a male protagonist and traditional family reconciliation suggests a narrative that may reinforce conventional social roles rather than challenge them. While the film shifts the lens away from Anglo-centric perspectives, it offers little visibility regarding LGBTQ+ identities or disability representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Mantra have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly engage with LGBTQ+ identities or explore non-cisgender character arcs. It focuses mainly on the life of an Indian business owner.

How does Mantra portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around a male protagonist dealing with capitalism and family life. It is unclear whether the film challenges traditional gender roles or reinforces the conventional provider archetype.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Mantra?

Good

The film offers meaningful representation by focusing on an Indian protagonist. It delves into the complexities of a South Asian business environment, providing ability to act outside of Western-centric views.

How does Mantra represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative explores the tension between traditional family structures and globalized capitalism. It highlights the conflict between localized cultural values and systemic economic pressures.

Does Mantra include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the film's narrative.

Present on Screen

Provides meaningful South Asian ability to act by centering an Indian protagonist.
Explores the specific pressures of global competition within a non-Western economic landscape.
Offers a nuanced look at the friction between local cultural values and global capitalism.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible engagement with LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender character arcs.
Does not provide evidence of representation for characters with disabilities.
Potential reinforcement of traditional gender hierarchies through the male provider archetype.

Official Synopsis

An Indian business owner struggles to keep his company afloat amid global competition while trying to make up for lost time with his family.

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