March 2023
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Film media is considered a powerful tool to influence the thought process. This study examines the portrayal of Muslims in South Asia's most significant film industry. Semiotic Analysis has been adopted to analyze five Bollywood films from 2017 to 2018 based on the Muslim protagonist. This study uses Ferdinand De Saussure's theory of Semiotics based on signs, visuals, and pictures to reconnoiter how Muslims are connoted in Bollywood movies. The ideologically constructed messages used in films assert Muslims' specific identity and portray this identity naturally to the viewers. This research serves as a catalyst for change by building a knowledge base and raising awareness regarding the role of Indian cinema in portraying Muslims by advocating the roles of Muslims and contributing to Muslims' positive identity in and through the media. This study also aims to help filmmakers recognize the need on the production side to produce films regarding Indian Muslims' representation and offer a solution to resolve the Muslims' waning image.