NEW DELHI: Up to 37 anti-Muslim films have been released in the billion-dollar Bollywood industry in India since Narendra Modi assumed office.
A few of the films like ‘Kashmir Files, ‘Kerala Story’ and ‘Lipstick Under My Burqa’ add to the ongoing discussion about how Muslims are portrayed in the media.
In 2023 alone, six films that critics claim promote anti-Muslim sentiments and perpetuate harmful stereotypes were released.
As the 2024 elections loom, analysts forecast a surge in these releases—at least 20 more films that denigrate Muslims are expected.
The majority of these films frequently depict Muslims as terrorists, villains or associates of criminal groups, which heightens the tensions within the community.
A prominent Bollywood pundit Anup Raghav claims that the Modi administration encourages the production of films that mistreat the Muslim population by providing tax breaks to companies that support its political objective.
Bollywood has previously been exploited for political purposes as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) deliberately used the film industry to create storylines that align with its political agenda even before the 2019 elections.
The Indian cinema industry and the Modi government have an intricate relationship that underscores their shared interest in shaping public opinion. The film industry is a potent instrument for influencing and moulding public opinion.
