Title: Bollywood’s Divisive Turn: How Films Are Shaping India’s Political Landscape
In a bold move that reflects the changing landscape of Indian cinema, a new biopic on Hindu nationalist ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar is set to hit theaters in India. Titled “Swatantra Veer Savarkar,” the film comes at a crucial time, just weeks before a national vote that will determine the country’s political direction for the next five years.
The movie trailer, which begins with an outline of Mahatma Gandhi’s iconic glasses, morphs into the face of Savarkar, Gandhi’s ideological nemesis. The film’s release coincides with a cluster of upcoming Bollywood releases that either promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political agenda or criticize his critics.
Under Modi’s Hindu nationalist government, Bollywood has seen a surge in films that glorify Hindu nationalism, valorize the Indian Army, and eulogize Hindu nationalists. These films often depict medieval Muslim rulers, leftist leaders, and neighboring Pakistan as villains, feeding into a divisive narrative that risks exacerbating political and religious rifts in the country.
Critics and filmmakers alike have expressed concern over the trend, noting that films promoting Hindu nationalism are being accepted and endorsed by the government. Some filmmakers have resorted to self-censorship in the face of threats from right-wing groups and social media campaigns calling for boycotts of films deemed offensive to Hinduism.
While polarizing films have been successful at the box office, some filmmakers argue that they perpetuate misinformation and propaganda, likening them to “WhatsApp forwards.” Calls for an artistic rebellion in Indian cinema have emerged, with hopes for a return to films that champion political diversity and religious harmony.
As Bollywood navigates this divisive turn, the industry’s role in shaping India’s political landscape has come under scrutiny. With the upcoming national vote looming large, the influence of films like “Swatantra Veer Savarkar” raises questions about the power of popular cinema in promoting political ideologies and exacerbating societal divisions.