The Stereotyping of Atheists in Old Bollywood Movies and TV Serials & A Call for Change
For decades, Indian cinema, particularly Bollywood and regional films, along with TV serials, has perpetuated a predictable and problematic stereotype of atheists. The portrayal of atheists in these narratives often follows a formulaic arc: a young, brash, happy-go-lucky man who rejects the idea of God, dismisses religious practices, and is invariably depicted as arrogant, rude, or morally flawed. By the climax, a dramatic life event — be it a personal tragedy, a near-death experience, or a moral reckoning — forces him to abandon his atheism and embrace theism, often with a grand gesture of devotion. This trope, recycled in countless films and serials, not only misrepresents atheists but also fosters a culture of prejudice and misunderstanding. It’s time to challenge this narrative and advocate for more nuanced, respectful portrayals.
The Archetypal Atheist in Indian Cinema
The stereotypical atheist in Indian films is rarely a complex, relatable character. Instead, he (and it’s almost always a “he”) is crafted as a caricature designed to evoke disapproval from the audience. Films like Nastik (1954), Aakhri Sajda (1977), OMG — Oh My God! (2012), Gopala Gopala (2015, Telugu), Thunaivan (1969, Tamil), Paithrukam (1993, Malayalam), and Kadavul (1997, Tamil) follow a similar blueprint. The atheist protagonist is introduced as carefree but arrogant, dismissive of religious rituals, and often rude to those who hold faith dear. Why is humility or kindness rarely attributed to these characters? The answer seems clear: a humble, compassionate atheist might be too likable, too admirable, and that could challenge the narrative’s agenda.
The plot typically unfolds with the atheist facing a crisis — illness, financial ruin, or the loss of a loved one — that exposes the supposed “emptiness” of his worldview. By the film’s climax, he undergoes a transformation, often depicted in a dramatic scene where he prays, visits a temple, or publicly acknowledges the existence of a higher power. This conversion is framed as his redemption, reinforcing the idea that atheism is a flawed, temporary state that must be “corrected” through faith.
The Problem with the Stereotype
This repetitive portrayal is not just lazy storytelling; it’s harmful. By consistently depicting atheists as arrogant, rude, or morally deficient, these films precondition audiences to associate atheism with negative traits. Theists, on the other hand, are often shown as humble, kind, and morally superior, creating a binary where faith equates to virtue and disbelief to vice. This oversimplification ignores the diversity of beliefs and personalities in real life, where atheists, like anyone else, can be compassionate, ethical, and community-oriented.
The absence of positive atheist role models in these narratives is telling. Rarely, if ever, do we see a film where a kind, humble atheist faces challenges, remains true to their beliefs, and emerges stronger without converting to theism. Such a story would validate atheism as a legitimate worldview, but instead, the industry opts for conversion narratives that align with cultural norms and religious sentiments. This approach marginalizes atheists, portraying them as outliers who must be “fixed” to fit into society.
Cultural Impact and the Need for Change
The impact of these portrayals extends beyond the screen. In a country like India, where religion plays a central role in social and cultural life, such depictions reinforce biases against atheists. They perpetuate the misconception that atheism is synonymous with immorality or hubris, making it harder for atheists to be open about their beliefs without facing judgment or ostracism. By hammering the same script across decades, Bollywood and regional cinema have contributed to a culture of intolerance, where atheism is seen as something to be pitied or corrected rather than respected.
Moreover, these narratives fail to reflect the growing diversity of thought in modern India. Atheism and agnosticism are not new to the country — philosophical traditions like Charvaka and Jainism have long embraced non-theistic perspectives. Yet, mainstream media rarely acknowledges this intellectual heritage or the lived experiences of contemporary atheists who lead fulfilling, ethical lives without religious faith.
A Path Forward: Nuanced Representation
To break this cycle of stereotyping, Indian cinema and television must embrace more authentic and diverse portrayals of atheists. Here are a few ways forward:
- Show Atheists as Multifaceted Characters: Atheists should be depicted with the same complexity as theist characters — capable of kindness, humility, and moral integrity. A story about an atheist who navigates life’s challenges with resilience and compassion, without converting, would be a refreshing departure from the norm.
- Challenge the Conversion Trope: Filmmakers should explore narratives where characters remain true to their atheistic beliefs, demonstrating that atheism is a valid and sustainable worldview. This would send a powerful message about respecting individual choices.
- Highlight Ethical Atheism: Stories that showcase atheists contributing to their communities — through charity, activism, or personal relationships — would counter the stereotype of the “selfish” or “arrogant” atheist.
- Engage with India’s Non-Theistic Traditions: Drawing on India’s rich history of non-theistic philosophies could provide a culturally rooted framework for portraying atheism positively.
- Promote Dialogue, Not Division: Films and serials should move away from pitting atheism against theism in a simplistic good-versus-evil framework. Instead, they could explore the nuances of belief and disbelief, fostering understanding rather than judgment.
Conclusion
The stereotyping of atheists in old Bollywood movies and TV serials is a disservice to both storytelling and society. By recycling the same tired narrative of the arrogant atheist who must be redeemed through faith, these productions perpetuate harmful misconceptions and marginalize a significant group of people. It’s time for Indian cinema to evolve, to tell stories that reflect the diversity of human experience and respect atheism as a legitimate worldview. By portraying atheists as complex, compassionate, and steadfast in their beliefs, filmmakers can challenge stereotypes, reduce prejudice, and contribute to a more inclusive cultural narrative. Let’s move beyond the clichés and tell stories that truly resonate with the pluralistic spirit of modern India.
