Food and the Politics of Othering of Northeastern Experiences in Axone (2020)

Krishnan, Sneha (2025) Food and the Politics of Othering of Northeastern Experiences in Axone (2020). In: The Routledge Handbook of Indian Indie Cinema. 1st ed. ed. Taylor and Francis (Books) Limited UK, London, pp. 130-137. ISBN 9781003612902

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Abstract

This chapter explores the intricate relationship between food, identity, and representation in contemporary Indian cinema, focusing on the film Axone directed by Nicholas Kharkongor. Set against the backdrop of New Delhi, the film highlights the challenges faced by North-Eastern communities in a city rife with discrimination and cultural misunderstandings. Through the lens of the preparation of akhuni, a traditional Naga dish, the narrative delves into themes of belonging, community, and the politics of food in a multicultural landscape. By juxtaposing the act of cooking with broader societal issues—such as racism, marginalisation, and the pressures of assimilation—the film serves as a critique of the hegemonic cultural norms that govern dietary practices and, by extension, identity. Drawing on theoretical frameworks of food nationalism and ethnonationalism, this chapter situates Axone within a larger discourse on cultural representation and the politics of food in India, revealing how culinary practices can both unite and divide communities. The chapter argues that while Axone attempts to foster empathy and understanding, it also exposes the complexities of systemic oppression that continue to affect marginalised groups in contemporary society. Ultimately, this analysis illuminates the vital role of food as a cultural marker and a site of resistance in the quest for identity and recognition.

Item Type: Book Section
Subjects: Social Sciences and humanities > Arts and Humanities > Arts and Humanities (General)
JGU School/Centre: Jindal School of Public Health and Human Development
Depositing User: Mr. Luckey Pathan
Date Deposited: 28 Jun 2025 17:44
Last Modified: 28 Jun 2025 17:44
Official URL: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.432...
URI: https://pure.jgu.edu.in/id/eprint/9686

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