MUMBAI, India: Since Narendra Modi came to power in India, as many as 37 movies have been released in Bollywood that are considered anti-Muslim.
Most of these films tend to depict Muslims as villains, terrorists, or members of criminal organizations, further worsening communal tensions, according to the media reports. Noteworthy titles include “Kashmir Files,” “Lipstick Under My Burqa”, “Kerala Story”, all contributing to the ongoing debate surrounding the industry’s depiction of the Muslim community in a negative manner.
Year 2023 alone has seen the release of six more films that critics argue carry forward negative stereotype propaganda and animosity against Muslims. Analysts predict a surge in such kind of releases in the run-up to the 2024 elections, with at least 20 more ‘anti-Muslim’ films anticipated.
Anup Raghav, a prominent commentator on Bollywood affairs, said that the Modi government offers tax incentives to productions that align with its political agenda, thus encouraging the creation of movies that tarnish the image of Muslim community in India.
This isn’t the first time that Bollywood is being used for political purposes. Even before the 2019 elections, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party strategically employed the film industry to craft narratives that served their political motives.
