In an exclusive interview with Timeline, renowned Telugu actor Kishore G, best known for his notable performances in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu cinema, opened up about his latest Malayalam film Vadakkan and discussed the vibrant world of Mollwood.
Despite the industry’s reputation for producing films that tackle hard-hitting issues and engage with diverse audiences, Kishore had some serious concerns to address.
The actor spoke candidly about the growing trend of films that subtly promote political agendas, highlighting controversial titles like The Kerala Story and The Kashmir Files as examples of cinema being used to spread propaganda.
Kishore did not shy away from confronting what he sees as a darker side of the industry. “There’s a rising issue that we cannot ignore, how movies are now being used to manipulate public opinion, often with hidden political messages,” he said.
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When asked whether films have the power to influence people, Kishore’s response was sharp and direct. “Absolutely, films can influence people,” he said. “That’s why there is a concerted effort to use cinema as a vehicle for spreading agendas, particularly those that spread hatred and division.”
He emphasised that movies like The Kerala Story and The Kashmir Files are prime examples of how political parties and groups can use cinema to propagate biased narratives.
Kishore pointed out how The Kerala Story, a film that depicted the alleged forced conversion of women to Islam, had a clear political undertone, which he described as misleading and harmful. “A political party promoted this film, which was riddled with false information about Muslims. It wasn’t just a film—it became a tool for political propaganda,” he explained. The actor also criticised the way such films portray entire communities in a negative light, fueling misconceptions and animosity.
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“The problem is that these films aren’t just about storytelling, they’re designed to push an agenda,” Kishore continued. “They create narratives that aim to divide people along religious and political lines. It’s an intentional tactic to stoke fear, hatred, and distrust between communities.”
“While cinema should ideally reflect society and provoke thought, it should not be weaponised to spread hate or misinformation,” he added.
