Re-presenting Disability in Cinema: A Semiotic Study of Srikanth Based on John Fiske’s Framework
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54259/mukasi.v4i3.5461Keywords:
Disability, Semiotics, John Fiske, Representation, Srikanth (Film)Abstract
This study aims to examine the representation of disability in the film Srikanth through John Fiske's semiotic approach. Using a qualitative method and media text analysis technique, the study explores the three levels of semiotic codes developed by Fiske: the codes of reality, representation, and ideology. The analysis reveals that Srikanth presents the narrative of a visually impaired individual not merely as an object of pity, but as a subject with agency, resilience, and a strategic role in society. At the level of reality codes, the character Srikanth is represented through body language, facial expressions, and dialogues that emphasize independence. The representation codes highlight how cinematography, props, and characters are constructed to build a positive image of disability. Meanwhile, the ideological codes convey values of inclusivity and the recognition of the rights of people with disabilities. This study affirms that Srikanth serves as a significant example in shifting the paradigm of disability representation in mainstream media, from stereotypical portrayals to more humanizing and empowering narratives.
Downloads
References
Almutairi, M. (2023). The knowledge and attitudes toward students with learning disability of faculty members in a Saudi university.
Barnes, C. (1992). Disabling imagery and the media: An exploration of the principles for media representations of disabled people. Halifax: British Council of Organisations of Disabled People / Ryburn Publishing.
Black, R. S., & Pretes, L. (2007). Victims and victors: Representation of physical disability on the silver screen. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 32(1), 66–83. https://doi.org/10.2511/rpsd.32.1.66
Boggs, J. M., & Petrie, D. W. (2008). The art of watching films (7th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.
Cowan, G. (2013). Media messages: What film, television, and popular music teach us about race, class, gender, and sexual orientation (3rd ed.). New York: Pearson.
Fiske, J. (1987). Television culture. London: Methuen.
Fiske, J. (1990). Introduction to communication studies (2nd ed.). London: Routledge.
Gombrich, E. H. (2002). The story of art (16th ed.). London: Phaidon Press.
Hall, S. (1980). Encoding/decoding. In S. Hall, D. Hobson, A. Lowe, & P. Willis (Eds.), Culture, media, language (pp. 128–138). London: Hutchinson.
McGill, I., Glenn, J. K., & Brockbank, A. (2014). The action learning handbook: Powerful techniques for education, professional development and training. New York, NY: Routledge Falme
Niyu, N. (2017). Representasi disabilitas dalam iklan “We’re the Superhumans”. INKLUSI, 4(1), 49–70.
Putri, R., Turistiati, A. T., & Setyanugraha, R. S. (2023). Representasi teman tuli dalam iklan Pond's Bright Beauty Serum "Wajahmukekuatanmu". Jurnal Pewarta Indonesia, 5(1), 26–38.
Reinhardt, J. D., Pennycott, A., & Fellinghauer, B. A. G. (2013). Impact of a film portrayal of a police officer with spinal cord injury on attitudes towards disability: A media effects experiment. Disability and Rehabilitation, 36(4), 289–294. https://doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2013.788219
Rose, G. (2001). Visual methodologies: An introduction to the interpretation of visual materials. London: SAGE Publications.
Snyder, S. L., & Mitchell, D. T. (2006). Cultural locations of disability. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Stewart, K., & Spurgeon, C. (2019). Researching media participation by listening to people with disability. Media, Culture & Society, 42(6), 969–986. https://doi.org/10.1177/0163443719890536
Tanaga, L. O., Maryani, E., & Rosfiantika, E. (2023). Representation of female masculinity in Netflix series Sweet Home. Profetik: Jurnal Komunikasi, 16(2), 276–292.
Tushar Hiranandani. (2024). Srikanth [Film]. Netflix.
Yuksel, I. (2015). The role of renewables in meeting Turkey's energy demand. Energy Sources Part A: Recovery, Utilization & Environmental Effects, 31, 1915 1925. doi:10.1080/15567030802462911
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Fatimah Bilqis, Eko Hari Saksono
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Hak cipta pada setiap artikel adalah milik penulis.
Penulis mengakui bahwa MUKASI (Jurnal Ilmu Komunikasi) sebagai publisher yang mempublikasikan pertama kali dengan lisensi Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Penulis dapat memasukan tulisan secara terpisah, mengatur distribusi non-ekskulif dari naskah yang telah terbit di jurnal ini kedalam versi yang lain, seperti: dikirim ke respository institusi penulis, publikasi kedalam buku, dan lain-lain. Dengan mengakui bahwa naskah telah terbit pertama kali pada MUKASI (Jurnal Ilmu Komunikasi).
