The strikes sought to change the tenor of the Indian relationship with Pakistan by recalibrating the costs attached to frequent territorial incursions enabled by the Pakistani state. It also dismantled the idea that strategic restraint on the Indian part was linked with the fear of retaliatory nuclear action by Pakistan. The nationalism narrative has helped the BJP immeasurably, but there is a danger of pushing it too far. Besides, if Bollywood becomes the primary arena in which to play out the nationalism debate, then films will continue to get released and the outrage will never stop. Even as a political device, the utility of nationalism as a platform lies in its unrealized potential; if its plays out fully, the issue may lose its power.

Source: Times of India October 24, 2016 01:30 UTC