The Hindi film industry, fondly known as Bollywood, has long been celebrated for its vibrant, larger-than-life cinematic experiences. With roots tracing back to Bombay (now Mumbai), Bollywood has become a cultural behemoth, releasing 50 to 100 mainstream films annually that are enjoyed by billions globally. Despite its vast influence and the significant Muslim population in India—over 14% according to 2021 data—Bollywood’s portrayal of Muslims has often been problematic. Recent years have seen a disturbing trend where Islamophobia has increasingly seeped into Bollywood films, reflecting and exacerbating real-life prejudices.

Historically, Bollywood’s portrayal of Muslims was more balanced and respectful. During the 1950s and 60s, a period marked by secularism and relatively harmonious Hindu-Muslim relations, films like “Anarkali,” “Mughal-e-Azam,” and “Mumtaz Mahal” celebrated the rich cultural contributions of Indian Muslims. However, since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014, there has been a marked rise in Islamophobic narratives in mainstream Bollywood. The BJP’s tenure has coincided with an increase in communal tensions and a rise in Islamophobic rhetoric. A research paper by Zainab Sikander notes that this political climate has influenced Bollywood, leading to the demonization of Muslims on screen. The portrayal of Muslim characters has shifted from nuanced and dignified to stereotypical and negative. Films like........

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