Reality versus fiction: a crunch model-based analysis of the portrayal of vulnerability in Bangla disaster film

Abstract

Film is a powerful medium for shaping audience perceptions and beliefs, particularly in disaster studies, where it can effectively disseminate information on disaster management and risk mitigation to build resilient communities. While the disaster film genre is well-established in Hollywood and other industries, Bangla disaster films remain underdeveloped and under-researched. Despite the prevalence of war films in Bangladesh and West Bengal, few have been examined from a disaster management perspective. This study aims to fill that gap by exploring how the progression of vulnerability is portrayed in Bangla disaster films through the lens of the Crunch Model. Two Crunch Models, real-event-based and fiction-based, were generated for comparative analysis. The study employs a qualitative case study approach, analyzing Bangla disaster films through qualitative content analysis. Initially, a broad analysis was conducted to understand the portrayal of disasters, followed by the selection of eight films categorized into natural and human-induced disasters. The selection ensured inclusivity of vulnerable populations, with a focus on analyzing the progression of vulnerability. Unlike international disaster films that rely on spectacular visuals and sound effects, Bangla disaster films resonate emotionally, evoking a sense of emptiness and melancholy. Real-event-based models provide macro-level insights into systemic and structural factors like historical contexts, governance failures, and socio-economic disparities contributing to vulnerability. In contrast, fiction-based models offer a micro-level perspective, emphasizing human and emotional dimensions. Most films focus on unsafe conditions during the immediate disaster phase, with some referencing past events and dynamic pressures but often neglecting root causes. This study serves as a baseline for future research on Bangla disaster films and highlights the potential of films to shape audience perceptions. It concludes with a call for a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach among stakeholders to foster resilience in Bengal’s challenging context.