In Focus by The Hindu Can propaganda be great art?
Dec 25, 2025
In this thought-provoking discussion, guests Prof. Asim Siddiqui, an English literature expert focusing on Muslim identity in film, and Sudhanva Deshpande, a noted theatre personality and actor, tackle the complex relationship between propaganda and artistic merit. They explore how films like Dhurandhar reflect contemporary nationalism while evoking historical biases against Muslims. The duo highlights the differences between state-backed propaganda and dissenting art, considering the ethics of appreciating films for their craft despite their ideological skew.
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State Backing Can Manufacture Success
- Political and institutional promotion can orchestrate a film’s commercial success through state support and online campaigns.
- Sudhanva Deshpande notes Kashmir Files' box-office surge was partly orchestrated by state and social-media encouragement.
Silence And Dog Whistles Signal Othering
- Absences and dog whistles can signal targeted othering even without explicit characters from a group.
- Asim Siddiqui finds Dhurandar uses subtle references to imply internal enemies and omits positive Muslim characters.
Brutality Replaces Nuance In Some Blockbusters
- Dhurandar leans on sustained brutality and toxic masculinity rather than humour or nuance found in other blockbusters.
- Asim Siddiqui contrasts its angry tone and stereotyping with the lighter, humorous beats in Pathan and Tiger films.