The Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, known for his role in the jingoistic blockbuster 'Fighter', has sparked a moment of reflection with his Instagram post about 'Dhurandhar', a controversial Hindi film that delves into Karachi's gang wars. While praising the film's cinematic craft, Roshan expressed a nuanced stance, acknowledging his potential disagreement with the film's political undertones. This statement comes at a critical time, as relations between Pakistan and India are already strained, and the film's portrayal of Pakistani violence could further inflame tensions.
Roshan's post highlights a broader issue within Bollywood: the industry's tendency to perpetuate stereotypes and political narratives. The film 'Dhurandhar' is just one example of how Bollywood often portrays Pakistan as a monolithic terrorist state, a trope that has become both commercially viable and politically convenient in Modi's India. This pattern is not new, as Bollywood has increasingly leaned into anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim narratives, with films like 'The Kashmir Files', 'Mission Majnu', and 'The Kerala Story' gaining attention from right-wing circles and criticism from those weary of the industry's propaganda.
Roshan's statement raises questions about the responsibilities of filmmakers as global citizens. Cinema, especially mass-market Indian cinema, has a significant impact on sentiment and can shape real-world perceptions. When films dehumanize and stereotype, the consequences can be chillingly tangible, especially in a country of over a billion people where stories can manufacture reality. Roshan's musings on 'Dhurandhar' prompt a discussion on the need for filmmakers to consider the broader implications of their work, especially when it comes to sensitive geopolitical topics and the potential impact on international relations.
