ONE of the most persistent questions when discussing the interplay of cinema and society is who influences whom— whether the movies merely reflect the already existing socio-political narratives or they play a role in forming their narratives. However, this question does not deny that cinema influences viewers, shapes narratives, and forms opinions.
Cinema, indeed, can be considered the most potent tool in opinion formation, a fact very well known to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels who used it as a medium for the propagation of Nazi ideals and the genocide of Jews in Germany.
Popular cinema’s ability to intrude on the mass psyche is also visible in India, where cricket and Bollywood determine how we think and act. It has determined our idea of nation and nationhood, showcasing characters that an Indian wishes to be. However, Bollywood’s idea of nationhood often replaced ‘Indianness’ with ‘Hinduness’— they often resorted to homogenising the nationhood using one religion by excluding another.
This exclusionary practice against Muslims in Bollywood did not start with the rule of the BJP—it became more direct with their rule. The various symbols, stereotypes, and situations employed in Bollywood movies constantly attempted to ‘other’ the Muslims, thereby reinforcing Hindu nationalist agendas.
The Terrorist, the Patriot, and the Veiled Muslim Woman
This story is from the April 21, 2024 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 21, 2024 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Lost In The Rat Race
The NEET exam is mired in multiple controversies. Will this medical entrance exam fiasco discourage future aspirants?
The Rise Of 'Ravan'
Chandrashekhar Azad ‘Ravan’, ‘The son of Saharanpur’, is raring to bring a new brand of Dalit-Bahujan politics to Parliament
Unquiet Flows The Tawi
The recent attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi district spotlights Jammu’s increased vulnerability to militancy
Rebel With a Cause
Congress rebel candidate Vishal Patil fights as an independent, defeats the BJP candidate and sitting MP by over one lakh votes and rejoins the Congress
Winds of Change
Ethnic questions and local dynamics make the Bharatiya Janata Party lose ground in the Northeast
The Giant Killer
The election campaign of Geniben Thakor, the lone Congress MP from Gujarat, was as impressive as her victory
Chak De Change
There is a new churning in Punjab politics and the Bharatiya Janata Party is diving in with an eye on the 2027 assembly election
Minority Mantra
The elevation of George Kurian, long serving Party functionary, to the Union cabinet is part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ongoing “Christian project” in Kerala
Art of the Possible
Youngest Dalit MP Shambhavi Choudhary plans to focus on connectivity to schools, colleges and hospitals, women and jobs
Red Revival
On his way to the hallowed chamber of Parliament, OBC leader Sudama Prasad defeated a BJP stalwart in Arrah and ensured CPI-ML’s entry into Parliament after more than three decades