Political Satire and Democratic Discourse in Malayalam Cinema: A Qualitative Analysis of Sandesham (1991)

Abstract

  This study presents a qualitative content analysis of the South Indian political satire Sandesham (1991) a Malayalam cinema translates with meaning ‘Message’ to explore the persistence of political realities over time since the year of release. Utilizing qualitative content analysis, the research examines how the film critiques partisanship, political leadership, and citizen disillusionment with governance through narrative structure, characterization, dialogues, and cinematic techniques. Findings indicate that despite being over three decades old, Sandesham remains pertinent to contemporary Indian politics, particularly amid ideological clustering and media-driven narratives. The film functions not only as a reflective medium but also as a critical instrument revealing cyclical political dysfunction and advocating for active, informed citizenship.