Unveiling the Narrative: A Semiotic and Historical Exploration of Hindu vs. Muslims Portrayals in Bollywood Cinema

Abstract

This study focuses on the historical portrayal of Hindu vs. Muslim characters in Bollywood cinema, utilising the frameworks of semiotic analysis, cinematography and the propaganda model by examining films spanning decades. Through semiotic analysis, the researcher identifies the visual signs, indices and symbols used to construct religious identity in Bollywood cinema. Historically, Hindu characters were depicted as noble, morally strong, loyal warriors, brave fighters, religiously well-framed and painted as a complete package of humanity while the Muslim characters were depicted as exotic, associated with negative attributes such as greed, power hungry, rapist, betrayal, religious fanatics and sexually predatory. This portrayal obscures the complexities of historical figures and events, further perpetuating Islamophobic viewpoints that are already prevalent. Cinematically, camera angles depict Hindu characters in a more favourable light, such as with low-angle shots that make them appear larger and more heroic. On the other hand, Muslim characters were depicted in high-angle shots, making them smaller and less powerful. These visual cues contribute to the perpetuation of stereotypes and the reinforcement of social biases. The analysis of the films revealed that the cinema aligned with patriotic accounts to predominate in dogmatic interest. These results caused heightened tension among religious clutches that often threatened religious harmony between communities.