Imagined Communities in Bollywood: A Contrapuntal Reading of The Kashmir Files and Mulk

Title

Imagined Communities in Bollywood: A Contrapuntal Reading of The Kashmir Files and Mulk

Creator

Kumar, Sarath S.; Kadiyakkol, Sreejith; Remya, R.

Description

Under the Modi regime, Hindu nationalist ideologies have gained prominence, resulting in a growing utilisation of cinema as a political tool in India. This article explores Bollywoods role as a mass cultural medium in shaping communal identities through a contrapuntal analysis of two ideologically opposed films: Mulk (2018) and The Kashmir Files (2022). Utilising Benedict Andersons concept of imagined communities and Edward Saids contrapuntal reading technique, the research examines the role of these films in shaping narratives of majoritarian Hindus and minority Muslims. The Kashmir Files promotes a one-dimensional communal narrative that portrays Muslims as the aggressors and Hindus as the victims, thus bolstering Hindutva ideologies. Conversely, Mulk challenges this narrative by depicting the Muslim community as unjustly demonised and seeking justice in a pluralistic context. This article outlines Bollywoods involvement in the broader political discourse surrounding religious identity in India through a comparative analysis of themes like terrorism, visual stereotyping, and the representation of jihad. The findings are intended to contribute to the critical discussion surrounding nationalism, media representation, and communal politics in present-day South Asia. 2025, International Islamic University Malaysia. All rights reserved.

Source

Asiatic;Volume;19;Issue;2;pp.176-192

Date

01-01-2025

Publisher

International Islamic University Malaysia

Subject

Bollywood cinema; contrapuntal reading; Hindutva nationalism; imagined communities; Muslim representation in Indian cinema

Coverage

Kumar S.S., Department of English and Cultural Studies, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India; Kadiyakkol S., Department of English and Cultural Studies, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India; Remya R., Department of English and Cultural Studies, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India

Rights

All Open Access; Hybrid Gold Open Access

Relation

ISSN: 19853106;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.31436/asiatic.v19i2.3954

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105026176377?origin=resultslist