Film and Politics in India: Cinematic Charisma as a Gateway to Political Power

ISBN-13: 9783034315517 / Angielski / Miękka / 2015 / 230 str.

Dhamu Pongiyannan

Opis

In the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, all five of the Chief Ministers since 1967 have been former actors. This provocative book debunks the notion of Bollywood as the synecdoche of Indian cinema to explore the hitherto less studied, yet highly influential cinema in South Asia. Developing the concept of the politics of sentiment, the author examines the ways in which actor-politicians constructed their cinematic charisma, projecting themselves as messiahs saving the people from injustices, to create a political appeal to voters. The resilience of cinematic charisma, as Indian society undergoes massive socio-economic changes, provides a compelling study of modern politics, cinema, celebrity and the culture of the subcontinent.

Spis treści

Contents: Cinematic Charisma and Political Dominance in Tamil Nadu - MGR - Saviour of the Masses - Jayalalitha-Charisma of Complexion - Rajinikanth - The Political Influence of a Mystical Sensation - Vijayakanth - The Black MGR - Sarathkumar - The Rural Rambo - Actor - Politicians-Past, Present, and the Future.

O autorze

Dhamu Pongiyannan received a PhD in Media Studies from the University of Adelaide in 2013. He has a wide range of professional experiences in the media industry. His research interests include media sociology and Indigenous studies. He is currently collaborating with Professor Ghil'ad Zuckermann, Chair of Linguistics and Endangered Languages at the University of Adelaide, on Aboriginal issues.