PORTRAYAL OF ISLAM AND MUSLIMS IN “12 STRONG” AND “THE KERALA STORY” MOVIES: A MULTIMODAL CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS

Abstract

This research explores the representation of Islam and Muslims in the Hollywood film "12 Strong" and the Bollywood film "The Kerala Story" through a Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA) framework. By examining the visual, textual, and narrative components of each film, the research identifies common themes of radicalization, extremism, and cultural representation. "12 Strong" depicts Muslims in a dual role as both allies and antagonists, reflecting the complexities of post-9/11 narratives. On the other hand, "The Kerala Story" focuses more heavily on themes of forced conversion and extremism. This study investigates how these portrayals contribute to the construction of stereotypical perceptions of Muslims and how they impact audience perceptions. The analysis reveals a tendency in both films to link Muslim characters with conflict and terrorism, reinforcing negative stereotypes. The study advocates for more nuanced and balanced portrayals of Muslims in cinema to challenge Islamophobic representations and promote cultural understanding.