Representations of Religious Tolerance in Bajrangi Bhaijaan: A Roland Barthes Semiotic Analysis

Abstract

Religious, cultural, and national differences present significant challenges to fostering harmonious coexistence within multicultural societies. As a form of mass media, film plays an important role in representing social values, including religious tolerance. This study aims to examine the representation of religious tolerance in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, directed by Kabir Khan, through Roland Barthes' semiotic framework. The study employed a qualitative approach using semiotic analysis. The primary data consisted of the film Bajrangi Bhaijaan, while secondary data were obtained from scholarly books, journal articles, and other relevant literature. The data were analyzed using Barthes' three levels of meaning: denotation, connotation, and myth. The findings reveal that religious tolerance is represented through the film's characters, dialogues, and narrative, depicting harmonious relationships among individuals from different religious and national backgrounds. The semiotic analysis identified three core values of religious tolerance: mutual respect, mutual appreciation, and acceptance of differences. At the denotative level, these values are reflected in the interactions between the characters. At the connotative level, they signify respect for different religious beliefs and practices. At the mythological level, the film constructs humanity, empathy, and solidarity as universal values that transcend religious, national, and political boundaries. These findings suggest that Bajrangi Bhaijaan represents religious tolerance as a social practice embodied through interpersonal relationships grounded in respect for diversity and shared humanitarian values.