Is Bollywood Becoming a Propaganda Tool? | Foreign Correspondent

Tensions Surrounding the Release of "Adipurush"

The Hype and Controversy

• A major film event is taking place in Southern India, with "Adipurush" expected to be a blockbuster, set against the backdrop of a prominent Hindu temple.

• Political tensions arise as members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP threaten to ban the film due to accusations of mocking Hindu deities.

• Filmmakers are urgently re-editing the movie amidst fears of political backlash, highlighting the intersection between cinema and politics in India.

Bollywood's Political Landscape

• The film industry has historically produced political films; however, current pressures suggest filmmakers must align with government agendas or face severe consequences.

• Mumbai serves as the heart of Bollywood, where aspiring stars rehearse and dream big amidst stark contrasts in wealth across the city.

The Cultural Significance of Bollywood

Bollywood's Influence on Society

• Bollywood is described as essential to Indian culture, akin to air that people breathe; it shapes societal norms and values.

• Choreographer Samit Nagdev emphasizes that well-made films resonate deeply with audiences by reflecting Indian mythology and culture.

Historical Context and Changes Under Modi

• Professor Irabaska notes a shift in cinema since Modi's rise to power, indicating that mainstream films are increasingly used for propaganda purposes.

• Modi’s administration promotes a narrative positioning India as a Hindu state while marginalizing religious minorities, particularly Muslims.

Cinema as Propaganda: Case Studies

Successes Reflecting Government Ideology

• Films like "RRR," which won an Oscar, showcase Hindu pride and assert Indian identity through storytelling rooted in historical narratives.

• Critics argue that such films reinforce governmental ideologies by glorifying Hindu civilization while downplaying colonial histories.

Backlash Against Dissenting Voices

• Actors facing backlash for politically charged roles highlight risks within the industry; one actor faces criminal charges for portraying sensitive themes related to politics.

Controversy Surrounding Political Satire

Accusations Against the Show

• Politicians filed official complaints against the show's creators, accusing them of defaming the Prime Minister's office and promoting religious hatred. This was perceived as a politically motivated action aimed at achieving specific goals.

Personal Impact on Creators

• The accused faced serious repercussions, including formal charges and police surveillance. The creator described this period as one of the most challenging times in their life, filled with uncertainty about future developments.

International Streaming Platforms on Alert

• The controversy served as a warning to international streaming platforms regarding content limits in India, emphasizing that they should align with local sentiments to avoid backlash. If convicted, individuals involved could face significant jail time. Films aligning with BJP views received notable support during this period.

Vivek Agnohar's Cinematic Approach

New Film Focused on COVID Vaccine

• Director Vivek Agnohar is working on a film about India's indigenous COVID vaccine, portraying it as a symbol of national pride and commitment to humanity amidst global skepticism towards pharmaceutical companies.

Cultural Practices in Filmmaking

• Indian film crews often start their day with Hindu prayers, reflecting cultural traditions that permeate various aspects of filmmaking across the country. This practice sets a tone for collaboration and respect within the team.

Media Representation and Narrative Control

Portrayal of Journalists in Film

• In his new project, Agnohar depicts journalists as antagonists who manipulate media narratives during conflicts between scientists and political agendas, highlighting tensions within media representation in India. He acknowledges not all journalists are bad but emphasizes the role of certain portrayals in shaping public perception.

Success Factors Behind "The Kashmir Files"

Pressure Following Previous Successes

• After "The Kashmir Files" became an unexpected hit, there was immense pressure on Agnohar to replicate its success by producing larger films featuring big stars due to heightened expectations from audiences and industry stakeholders alike.

Influence of Cinema on Society

• Palavi Joshi discusses cinema's power to educate younger generations through impactful storytelling that resonates visually and emotionally, leaving lasting impressions compared to traditional educational methods.

Political Endorsement and Controversial Themes

Government Support for "The Kashmir Files"

• The film benefited from government backing; several BJP-led states provided tax exemptions while encouraging public viewership among government employees through designated days off work for screenings. Such endorsements significantly boosted its visibility and reception among audiences.

Contentious Historical Narratives

• "The Kashmir Files" presents a controversial narrative surrounding historical events involving Kashmiri Hindus' exodus amid violence attributed to terrorist organizations—an opening scene establishes an agenda aligned with dominant political narratives suggesting Muslim hostility towards Hindus in India.

Soft Power Through Cinema

Global Outreach Efforts

• Agnohar describes how "The Kashmir Files" has been utilized as soft power by showcasing it internationally to policymakers across various countries like the UK and US Congress—aiming to raise awareness about Kashmiri issues globally rather than just domestically.

Mixed Reactions from Communities

• While some Kashmiri Hindus praised the film for representing their experiences accurately for the first time, others criticized it for being Islamophobic by neglecting the struggles faced by Kashmiri Muslims during similar historical contexts—highlighting ongoing debates around representation in media narratives.

Kashmir Film Controversy and Its Implications

The Narrative of Kashmir in Cinema

• The film "Kashmir Falls" presents a one-sided narrative focusing on the Muslim population already residing in Kashmir, raising concerns about its portrayal.

• Viewers at screenings expressed anger towards Muslims, leading to accusations that the film incited anti-Muslim violence. The filmmaker defends this by stating it's part of Indian culture for audiences to express emotions during films.

• Despite acknowledging the negative reactions, the filmmaker claims responsibility lies with viewers rather than the film itself, emphasizing its groundbreaking nature in addressing Hindu genocide.

Political Dynamics and Film Promotion

• The filmmaker distances himself from political affiliations but acknowledges that various groups, including BJP supporters and others, promoted his film.

• He asserts that government members did not directly promote his work; however, he recognizes their influence on public perception and viewership.

• An ultimatum was issued by a PR manager regarding how the interview should be portrayed, indicating pressure surrounding media narratives.

Industry Climate and Self-Censorship

• Suara Bhasker discusses her experiences as an outspoken critic of the government within Bollywood, highlighting a climate of fear affecting career opportunities since 2014.

• She notes a significant shift towards self-censorship among filmmakers and producers who feel pressured to remain silent about political issues to maintain their careers.

• Bhasker’s identification as anti-Modi has led to hesitance from casting directors due to fears of backlash against her political stance.

Fear Among Artists

• There is widespread concern among artists about repercussions for expressing dissenting views against the government; many stars declined participation in discussions fearing career damage.

• Bhasker's mother expresses personal worry over the pervasive atmosphere of fear within the industry where artists feel they are navigating landmines constantly.

Recent Developments in Film Releases

• Families gather for the opening weekend of "Adi Purush," which faced governmental scrutiny prior to release. Ticket sales have dropped significantly amid controversy over its content.

• Following threats received by creators after altering dialogue due to censorship demands, there remains tension between artistic expression and governmental oversight.

The Role of Bollywood in Political Propaganda

Bollywood as a Tool for Political Messaging

• The speaker discusses how the Modi government has effectively utilized Bollywood for propaganda, suggesting that it serves as a tool to influence public opinion ahead of national elections.

• He mentions that foreign Indians of all religions will participate in the upcoming national election, which could determine Prime Minister Modi's potential third term.

• The speaker notes that several films are scheduled for release before the elections, promoting narratives aligned with the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party).

• He emphasizes that no previous government has recognized or leveraged the soft power of Bollywood as effectively as the current administration.

• The discussion highlights Bollywood's role in narrating India's stories both domestically and internationally, reflecting significant cultural shifts within the nation.