Now Reading: Bollywood patriotism shifts from defiance to national pride
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Bollywood patriotism shifts from defiance to national pride
Hindi cinema’s patriotic language has moved from coded defiance under British rule to pride, sacrifice and assertive national power, according to a Hindustan Times analysis. The 1943 film Kismet used Door Hato…
The Story in Brief
Hindi cinema’s patriotic language has moved from coded defiance under British rule to pride, sacrifice and assertive national power, according to a Hindustan Times analysis. The 1943 film Kismet used Door Hato Ae Duniya Walon to evade British censorship while reaching Indian audiences. Films such as Shaheed and Haqeeqat later framed patriotism through the freedom struggle and war.
The 1960s brought pride in a developing India through Manoj Kumar’s Upkar and Purab Aur Pachhim. Commercial cinema then turned patriotism into mass action in films such as Kranti and Karma. Since the 21st century, military-themed films have used more aggressive dialogue, from Gadar: Ek Prem Katha to Dhurandhar. Chak De! India offered a contrasting message centred on national unity.
The Indian Opinion
The lazy claim that Bollywood patriotism has always meant military swagger ignores Kismet, Upkar and Chak De! India. The opposite claim, that newer films have abandoned national feeling, is just as thin. Cinema reflects its period, shifting between anti-colonial resistance, development, sacrifice, unity and forceful confidence. The useful test is whether audiences continue to embrace both kinds of stories, rather than treating one register as the only authentic India.
Source: hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
