A new film that lionizes late right-wing leader and popular Mumbai politician Bal Thackeray and endorses his often divisive policies and philosophies looks ready to stoke more anti-immigrant feelings in the city.
“Balkadu†(a bitter potion given for digestive problems) is produced by Sanjay Raut, leader of the Shiv Sena (Shivaji’s Army), and is set to release on Friday, Thackeray’s 89th birthday. The film contains plenty of venom against outsiders who come to Mumbai, and even justifies violence against those that don’t support the cause of Marathi people, those who come from Mumbai’s state of Maharashtra.
The Sena, one of the most influential parties in the state, has long espoused an anti-immigrant stance, claiming that people flocking to Mumbai from poorer Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to find work are taking opportunities from Marathis.
“Balkadu†(a bitter potion given for digestive problems) is produced by Sanjay Raut, leader of the Shiv Sena (Shivaji’s Army), and is set to release on Friday, Thackeray’s 89th birthday. The film contains plenty of venom against outsiders who come to Mumbai, and even justifies violence against those that don’t support the cause of Marathi people, those who come from Mumbai’s state of Maharashtra.
The Sena, one of the most influential parties in the state, has long espoused an anti-immigrant stance, claiming that people flocking to Mumbai from poorer Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to find work are taking opportunities from Marathis.