Teaching Media Quarterly

Teaching Political Celebrity and Fake News in the Age of Trump … through Hindi Cinema

Amanda Konkle

Georgia Southern University

Keywords: politics, celebrity, fake news, Hindi cinema

Abstract

To avoid the pitfalls of teaching political celebrity through an example that hits “too close to home,” I teach celebrity politics by showing the 2010 Hindi-language political thriller Rann, written and directed by Ram Gopal Varma. Through scenes of how footage is edited to make the incumbent candidate look guilty, scenes of how fake news footage creates the day’s headlines, and scenes of how the politicians rhetorically manipulate both their cronies and the average citizens, Rann presents an opportunity to witness and discuss the effects of fake news, media influence on elections, and celebrity politics without overtly discussing contemporary American events (although it is quite rewarding when students make comparisons to contemporary American politics on their own during discussion). The lesson plan encourages students to think critically about the relationship between celebrity, news media, and politics. Students contemplate the role emotions play in political decisions (both by voters and lawmakers) through a consideration of affect and melodrama. Ultimately, students are encouraged to be savvy consumers of political news and information by understanding that the media aim for ratings rather than clear presentation of political platforms and that our fears and anxieties, which the media and the spindoctors of political campaigns prey on, can influence our voting decisions.