There's an interest in eras of Indian history where it's often some ostensible Hindu king who was fighting off, you know, the Muslim quote invader. And I have to say that's also a really important part of Hindu nationalist ideology is kind of reframing Indian history as one of constant invasion and conflict. So the theme so certain kinds of historical films. Also a greater attention to war films often focusing on the conflicts between India and Pakistan.
Most people watch RRR and see one of the greatest action epics in the history of cinema. But some see an insidious brand of Hindu nationalism that’s been creeping into Indian culture.
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shaprio, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram, who also edited.
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