Box Office or Ballot Box? The Dhurandhar Fever
The film Dhurandhar: The Revenge is creating a massive stir. It has opened to record demand across India. Cinemas are running shows nearly 24/7. This fictional spy story captures the audience with its high energy. The movie uses real-life footage from tragic events like the Pulwama attack but the story is fictional. This mix of fiction and reality blurs the lines for the viewers. This recipe can make these narratives travel fast.
A Tale of Two “True” Stories: Fact or Fiction?
Movies like The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story have sparked intense debates. The Kashmir Files focuses on the painful exodus of Hindus from Kashmir. Critics argue it lacks nuance and promotes Islamophobia. A court even stepped in to stop the director from using factually incorrect scenes. Then there is The Kerala Story. Its trailer originally claimed 32,000 girls were converted to Islam. Fact-checkers quickly debunked this massive number. The filmmakers eventually changed the claim to the stories of just three girls. The Supreme Court ruled that the film must carry a disclaimer. This disclaimer states there is no authentic data for the 32,000 figure. It admits the accounts are fictionalized. These “true stories” often rely on half-truths to trigger strong emotions.
The Oldest Show on Earth: Propaganda Through the Ages
Cinematic propaganda is not a new trick. Different regimes have used it for a very long time. Political leaders know the power of the big screen. In the past, Nazi filmmakers created works like Triumph of the Will to glorify their leader. The Soviet Union produced films showing Stalin as a wise and kind father figure. Even early American films painted a biased picture of the West as an “empty” land. The Catholic Church actually gave us the word “propaganda” centuries ago to spread their faith. Every era has its own way of “planting” ideas in the minds of the public.
A Spoonful of Sugar: Why Well Made Lies Work
It is very easy to push a narrative when a movie is well-made. Good stories and high production values make propaganda more dangerous. A film with a great cast and engaging plot keeps people hooked. Critics say Dhurandhar is effective because it is a “good” film technically. When people are entertained, they stop questioning the facts. They stop using their full intelligence. Propaganda exploits our deep need to believe in heroes and villains. Half-truths are useful tools for this. They look like reality but serve a specific political goal. Using symbols and emotions is the best way to bypass the brain.
Global Reach: The Overseas Sensation
Dhurandhar is a massive hit outside of India. It earned nearly $30 million in just four weeks. It is called a “remarkable” box office performance. The core market for these films includes people from Bangladesh and Pakistan. They are a huge part of the audience for Indian cinema overseas. Today, propaganda is not just in theatres. It screams from our computers and cellphones. Technology makes it easy to consume these stories anywhere. This digital reach helps narratives travel across borders very fast.
Who needs a political PR team anymore? Why spend money to buy media space? A movie is a much better choice. These films are very profitable and have a high return on investment. They do more than just show a story. They “shape political philosophy”. Movies “manage and condition” the minds of the public without them knowing it. A well-made film is a “dangerous” and effective weapon. It bypasses the brain and plays to the heart. It makes people submit without realizing they are submitting.
So, forget the old media cell. Say no to the PR team. Say yes to the movie.
– Opinion | Daily ScrollDown