The Role of Propaganda in Cinema: A Historical and Contemporary Analysis

Propaganda has long been a powerful tool in shaping public opinion, influencing behavior, and advancing political and ideological agendas. Cinema, as a mass communication medium, has played a crucial role in disseminating propaganda, from the World Wars to contemporary films. This paper examines the historical use of propaganda in cinema, its impact on society, and the evolving role of propaganda films in India. Through case studies of films such as The Kashmir Files (2022), The Kerala Story (2023), and Veer Savarkar (2024), this study explores both the positive and negative consequences of propaganda in shaping political discourse, national identity, and social cohesion.