Amplified Nationalism Through Cinema
This issue of Outlook looks at the genre of nationalist and propaganda cinema in the Indian context, and also continues with the exploration of the ideology question when it comes to national parties
(J)ust (N)ot (U)nderstood: Dismantling Of A University
There have been concerted attempts to portray JNU in a certain way. The film JNU: Jahangir National University is just another product of the same propaganda machinery
The Propaganda Files: Cinema's Long Tryst With Distorting Facts And Creating Villains
A recent spate of Hindi films distorts facts and creates imaginary villains. Century-old propaganda cinema has always relied on this tactic
The Thalaiva Factor In Cine-Politics Of South India
At a time when Bollywood is churning out propagandist narratives, south cinema, too, has stories to tell
The Spectre Of Sergei Eisenstein In Cinema
Cinema’s real potency to harness the power of enchantment might want to militate against its use as a servile, conformist propaganda vehicle
The 'Othering' Of Muslims In Indian Cinema
Representation of Muslim characters in Indian cinema has been limited—they are either terrorists or glorified individuals who have no substance other than fixed ideas of patriotism
How South Indian Movie Stars Shape The Region's Politics
In south India, films have always been a vehicle to ride into politics
From Reel Kerala Story To Real Kerala Story
While the trailer of 'The Kerala Story' claimed that 32,000 women from Kerala had undergone conversion and joined the IS, Nazeer Hussain’s offer was open-ended
The Crisis Of Ideology
Public opinion will never be devoid of ideology; but we shall destroy ourselves without philosophical courage
Congress Trapped In The 'Family' Template
In the upcoming election, more than the Congress, the future of the Gandhi family is at stake
BJP And Its Ideological Journey: A Roller Coaster Ride
A seemingly harmless decision in 1979 ended up reshaping Indian politics. The biggest beneficiary was the BJP
Not So Shining: The Reality Of 'Chamkila Phase'
Amar Singh Chamkila may be celebrated, but many of his songs are blatantly sexist
How Hindutva Pop Music Is Aiding PM Modi's Rise
Hindutva pop stars are employing hyperbole and dog-whistling to ensure Modi gets a third term
The Bee Sting: A Terrific Tragicomedy
Paul Murray’s The Bee Sting is a tender and extravagant sketch of apocalypse
A Diary From JNU
Singing revolutionary songs was nothing new for us. However, going viral was definitely something new.