Visakhapatnam: In an attempt to influence public sentiment before the 2024 elections, political leaders have taken an unconventional route this time by releasing a series of movies, which they hoped would capture the hearts and minds of the voters.
However, nothing yet goes to show that the public mood would be swayed in favour of or against one party or another by these movies.
Over the past three months, a total of five political movies have graced the theaters, all with the aim of promoting the agendas of parties like the YSRC and Telugu Desam. Among these releases, Pratinidhi has gained significant attention, particularly due to its strategic release two days before the polling date.
Pratinidhi 2, crafted by a journalist, emerges as the highlight of this cinematic campaign, featuring an honest journalist's quest for truth amid a backdrop of political turmoil. The gripping narrative unfolds against the precarious backdrop of a chief minister's life hanging in the balance.
Other notable releases in this political movie spree include Yatra 2, Vyooham, Razakar and Rajadhaani, each endeavoring to shift public opinion in favour of one or another party.
While Yatra 2 and Vyooham celebrate the YSRC government's achievements, Razakar too seeks to consolidate support for the ruling party. Conversely, Rajadhaani took a critical look at the YSRC government and sought to rally the masses behind the opposition TD party.
However, despite the strategic timing and promotional efforts, these movies have failed to change public perceptions about these parties. Interactions conducted by Deccan Chronicle with beachgoers during early morning walks revealed they were skeptical of such cinematic attempts to influence voters.
"It seems that the public is not easily swayed by political propaganda disguised as entertainment," commented one moviegoer. "Audiences are discerning and demand authenticity, which these films seem to lack," he added.
Ramesh Kumar shared his disappointment with the biased portrayal in some of these movies. "I watched some of them on OTT platforms, and they were one-sided. I lost interest and left the movie halfway through," he remarked.
Critics raised questions about the underlying motives behind this surge in political cinema. Sanjay Patel, a prominent film critic, remarked, "It's no secret that politicians use every tool at their disposal to sway public opinion, but these movies feel like a blatant attempt to manipulate voters. Audiences are savvy enough to see through the games of veiled propaganda."
As the election date of May 13 draws nearer, it's evident that the public's discerning eye and demand for authenticity pose significant challenges to the seamless integration of entertainment and politics.
