Emraan Hashmi, known for his versatility and candid opinions, recently shared his thoughts on the evolving trend of patriotism in Indian cinema.
Speaking during an interview, the Emraan Hashmi addressed what he perceives as an increasing tendency for filmmakers to go “overboard with jingoism” in patriotic films. According to him, when patriotism is exaggerated to the point of seeming forced or unnatural, it risks alienating the very audience it aims to inspire.
Emraan Hashmi emphasized that while patriotism is an important and powerful emotion, it needs to be rooted in authenticity to resonate with viewers. He noted that many recent films have begun to equate patriotism solely with chest-thumping nationalism and heavy-handed dialogues, which often comes off as insincere. “The moment you start hammering it in with loud slogans and preachy narratives, the audience begins to feel disconnected,” he said.
Emraan Hashmi believes that subtle storytelling and character-driven arcs tend to make a stronger impact than overt displays of nationalism. Citing examples from older films that handled patriotic themes with nuance and grace, Hashmi suggested that restraint and realism often evoke deeper emotional responses. He pointed out that the Indian audience is evolving and is no longer moved merely by loud declarations of love for the country—they’re looking for stories that feel real and emotionally grounded.
Emraan Hashmi , who has worked in a variety of genres throughout his career—from romantic thrillers to biopics—also highlighted the role of the actor in balancing the tone of such films. “As actors, we have a responsibility to keep the performances honest. If we’re not convinced by what we’re saying, neither will the people watching us,” he added.
His remarks come at a time when a number of recent Bollywood films have faced criticism for overtly patriotic messaging that some feel borders on propaganda. Social media has often reflected this sentiment, with many users calling out films that, in their view, prioritize nationalistic posturing over meaningful storytelling.
Despite this trend, Emraan Hashmi expressed optimism about the future of Indian cinema. He believes that filmmakers are beginning to recognize the value of a more restrained approach and that audiences, especially the younger generation, appreciate stories that provoke thought rather than dictate opinion. “There’s a space for patriotic films, of course. But there’s also a need for balance—where emotion doesn’t overshadow authenticity,” he concluded.
Emraan Hashmi comments have sparked discussion among fans and industry insiders alike, with many agreeing that patriotism on screen works best when it arises naturally from the story, rather than being inserted as a gimmick. In an industry known for its larger-than-life portrayals, Hashmi’s call for subtlety and sincerity strikes a chord with those advocating for a more mature cinematic landscape.
Emraan Hashmi’s comments arrive at a significant time in the Indian film industry, where the line between national pride and aggressive nationalism is increasingly debated both on and off the screen. As social and political discourse in the country continues to influence pop culture, patriotic films have become a staple genre, often used as vehicles for not just storytelling but also as reflections of contemporary ideology. In this context, Hashmi’s remarks serve as a reminder of the need to maintain artistic integrity, even when dealing with emotionally charged themes like love for one’s country.
Emraan Hashmi noted that over the years, some patriotic films have successfully managed to stir nationalistic feelings while remaining grounded in reality. He pointed to projects where the script took center stage and the message was conveyed through the actions and sacrifices of its characters rather than through hyperbole. “You look at films like Border or Rang De Basanti, and you see that they moved people not because they shouted the loudest, but because they had soul,” Emraan Hashmi explained. He added that today’s audiences are far more perceptive and emotionally intelligent, and they can easily identify when a film is trying too hard to push an agenda instead of letting the story speak for itself.
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