Literature Review on Potralys of Muslims in Indian Cinema

Hypothesis:

Depiction of Muslims in Hindi cinema is seldom negative.

Introduction:

Numerous incidents have taken place between the two neighboring states- India and Pakistan. Incidents like Partition, Kargil war, Mumbai Riots, Gujarat Riots, Bomb blasts and many more have created an enemy like attitude in the minds of people of both the countries for each other. Almost all of these incidences have been captured by Indian Cinema be it in a feature film, documentary or a commercial movie. Sometimes the films were critically acclaimed, sometimes they were box office hits or sometimes they received a ‘yellow card’ from the censorship for the situations they projected. Such films have always been special not only on the canvas of Indian cinema but for the audiences as well. The main reason of this is, because these films take their stories from the reality that an Indian or a Pakistani has faced at some time or the other in his lifetime. That is why, while filming such movies, it is important to keep in mind the proper depiction of these two communities. Seldom, it is believed that Muslims are always shown in a negative character in Indian cinema. Films like Kurbaan, Agent Vinod, Ek Tha Tiger, Dil Se are some examples. The terrorist characters played by the leading actors were always Muslims. But, there are movies in Indian Cinema which do not support this argument. Films like Gadar, Pinjar, Bombay, Border are some such movies. In these films, a fair part on behalf of both the communities is played.

For such movies, showing realism becomes must but, it also impresses upon the audience a sense of the film's own fictionality. It thus challenges viewers and compels them to critically assess the subject matter represented on screen (Haider 2010).

The concept of Mythical Muslims in Indian Cinema:

Khan and Bokhari in their research paper examine Hindi films during the year 2002 to 2008 with respect to the portrayal of Muslims in them. They state that after the 9/11 attacks in USA, Muslims all over the world, without any discrimination of gender or age are blamed to be terrorists. They say that since 1990s due to the government policies and political agenda, there has been a substantial change in the depiction of Muslims in Hindi cinema. Bollywood shows a symbolic relationship between terrorism and Muslim community. They narrate their argument by stating that in many movies “the villain is shown making slogans against India, fighting for the cause of Kashmir and Islam, all the henchmen are gun totting bearded guys, wearing Shalwar-Kamiz with a scarf over the shoulders. They are shown with blood shot eyes bursting at the seams with irrational anger. In contrast, the ‘boss’ is dressed in typical priest clothing, a skullcap and a rosary