Imagined Communities in Bollywood: A Contrapuntal Reading of <i>The Kashmir Files and Mulk</i>

Abstract

Under the Modi regime, Hindu nationalist ideologies have gained prominence, resulting in a growing utilisation of cinema as a political tool in India. This article explores Bollywood’s role as a mass cultural medium in shaping communal identities through a contrapuntal analysis of two ideologically opposed films: Mulk (2018) and The Kashmir Files (2022). Utilising Benedict Anderson’s concept of imagined communities and Edward Said’s contrapuntal reading technique, the research examines the role of these films in shaping narratives of majoritarian Hindus and minority Muslims. The Kashmir Files promotes a one-dimensional communal narrative that portrays Muslims as the aggressors and Hindus as the victims, thus bolstering Hindutva ideologies. Conversely, Mulk challenges this narrative by depicting the Muslim community as unjustly demonised and seeking justice in a pluralistic context. This article outlines Bollywood’s involvement in the broader political discourse surrounding religious identity in India through a comparative analysis of themes like terrorism, visual stereotyping, and the representation of jihad. The findings are intended to contribute to the critical discussion surrounding nationalism, media representation, and communal politics in present-day South Asia.