Let’s talk about Bollywood
by Futema Jafri
When you watch a movie, do you ever ponder over the message behind the film? If you are like most people, then cinema with a powerful message will no doubt touch some chords in you. And what if that message is reiterated over and over and over again in different films? Bollywood film viewers are experiencing such a phenomenon in their movies today.
While many people would rather drown in a nearby lake than admit that they watch Bollywood movies, the fact remains that Bollywood has a huge worldwide following. The demographics behind the viewers are as diverse as Bollywood films are not. These statistics highlight the ability to push a message through these films.
Personally, I grew up watching Bollywood films. Like many desi kids growing up in the West, I was exposed to these movies through my parents. Today, when my cousins and I want to watch something mindless and “halka phulka”, we will opt for an Indian movie. No offense intended for Indian movie buffs, but most of the movies don’t cater to a highly intellectual audience.
However, over the past year or so, I have seen a slight change in the themes of Bollywood films. The good ol’ implausible love story or triangle is still there, but a new kind of film is fast emerging as well. I guess you could label these films “patriotic”. Granted, patriotism is a message that cinema worldwide has employed. But the kind of patriotism that I am seeing in Bollywood films these days reminds me of the days when American action films used the Islamic terrorist as the villain in their plots over and over again. The villain of the day in Bollywood movies is Pakistan. I am not disputing the truth or falseness behind what is shown. I am merely saying that the theme of Pakistan as the “enemy” is touted repeatedly in Indian cinema today. Anyone with any sense of nationalistic pride would be insulted if their country is repeatedly accused of heinous crimes in the cinema that they watch. But I wonder if anyone in the Indian film industry really cares.
On the flip side, let’s go to another phenomenon that is emerging in Indian television worldwide. While I cannot speak for all of Indian television, I know that musical programmes and shows are delivering a message of peace and harmony between the two nations. They are bringing together artists from both countries to show that if we can coexist artistically, then we can do so practically as well. Is this concept just catering to us expatriates who like to “feel good” at the thought of harmony between the two nations? Or does the idea really have some backing in India and Pakistan?
Admittedly, realism has its merits in cinema. But responsible cinema should not play on the emotions and sentiments of its viewers. Realizing the tensions between the two countries, filmmakers are exploiting the situation to further a message of suspicion and hate. I have even started wondering whether these films are getting political funding to further some politician’s cause. After all, what is the bottom line in this enmity besides politics? When I say politics, I include Kashmir along with the so-called nuclear arms race. The sad part is that the common man has been wrapped up in this chess game that politicians have played throughout history all over the world. If we are ever to have a voice beyond our words, how can we support hate in what we watch, hear, or read? We will only be catered what we allow to be catered to us. And hate is a message that we should not tolerate.