Are Films Political Tool? | Nope w/ Kunal Kamra ft Anand Patwardhan | 076
Anand Patwardhan, one of India’s most uncompromising documentary voices, known for decades of politically charged, ground-level storytelling. His films confront themes of nationalism, communalism, and civil liberties with rare persistence and depth. Despite repeated censorship battles, legal hurdles, and attempts to block screenings, he has consistently defended the right to dissent through cinema. In an era increasingly shaped by propaganda narratives, his work stands as a vital record of resistance and truth. Prominent films include Bombay: Our City, Ram Ke Naam, Father, Son and Holy War, War and Peace, Jai Bhim Comrade, Reason Follow: Instagram – / kuna_kamra X (Twitter) – https://x.com/kunalkamra88/ Timestamps: 0:00 – Opening 00:32 – Accidental Beginning During Vietnam War Protests 01:40 – First Film on Bangladesh Refugees 02:22 – Early Work in Indian Villages & Health Communication 03:00 – Bihar Movement & Waves of Revolution 04:51 – Emergency, Censorship & Underground Screenings 06:07 – Return to India & Fight to Screen Films 08:01 – Political Prisoners & Early Documentary Themes 10:33 – Bombay: Our City & Urban Displacement 12:24 – Activism Through Filmmaking 14:45 – 1984, Communal Violence & Punjab Journeys 16:57 – Rise of Fundamentalism & Social Conflicts 18:21 – Ram Ke Naam & Ayodhya Movement 20:59 – Father, Son and Holy War & Masculinity 22:36 – Narmada Movement & Grassroots Struggles 23:14 – Fisherfolk, Labour & Economic Realities 27:31 – Nuclear Politics & War and Peace 30:50 – Dalit Movements & Jai Bhim Comrade 36:35 – Changing India Post-2014 & Censorship Battles 38:45 – Killings of Rationalists & Reason 44:15 – Personal Turn: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam 46:33 – Advice to Young Filmmakers & Changing Ecosystem Credits: • Research Head: Anirban Bhattacharya • Camera Operator / Mixing and Mastering / Intro Music — @Mahansangeet: / hi_mahan • Camera Operator / Video Editor / Intro Animation — @RevantTalekar: / revanttalekar • Camera Operator / Guest Logistics Coordinator — @VybhavSharma: / vybhavsharma • Production Assistant — Haran Shetty
