Bollywood at the ballot box: how cinema is influencing politics ahead of India’s elections

Last year, the movie “The Kashmir Files,” which portrayed the Hindu exodus from Kashmir in the 1990s, became a significant financial success.

While its portrayal was contentious among film critics, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the movie for shedding light on the Hindu displacement narrative.

This film is one among several that delve into themes such as the Hindu-Muslim divide, resonating with the ideologies of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Opponents argue that this connection between Bollywood and the BJP is strategic, aiming to sway voters as the general elections approach.

While these politically charged films represent only a small portion of Bollywood’s vast output, over 20 such titles in the past two years have been identified as leaning towards the BJP’s agenda.

Tax incentives and other benefits make producing these films appealing.

Gautam Ratna, a film executive producer, noted a trend where producers are leaning towards presenting the government in a positive light to benefit commercially.

This sentiment is exemplified by “The Kashmir Files” and other films like “The Kerala Story,” which stirred debate over its portrayal of forced religious conversions.

Some see this wave of political films as a reflection of the current ruling party’s influence.

Dr. Milind Awad, an academic, stated that current cinema seems to be guided by the dominant political narrative, often altering historical and factual content.

However, the BJP rebuffs the criticism, suggesting that political cinema has always existed and is not exclusive to their governance.

Mujibur Ahmed, a documentary filmmaker, believes there’s room for all kinds of cinema in a democratic society.

Economic benefits and concerns of backlash have driven some in the film industry to align with the government’s messaging.

Tax breaks, rapid approvals for shooting locations, and tax-free releases can strongly incentivize filmmakers.

However, the success of any film remains unpredictable.

Despite the government’s appreciation, not all politically inclined movies resonate with audiences, as seen with “Samrat Prithviraj.”

Bollywood’s diverse productions emphasize the industry’s power both to bridge and magnify societal divisions.

Regardless of the political context, cinema remains a potent tool for shaping public discourse in India and globally.