The great American singer/poet Jim Morrison once said “Whoever controls the media, controls the mind." Well, he couldn’t have been more right! Since the birth of mass media, it has been an effective tool for spreading propaganda for political parties. With the invention of the television, its effectiveness increased tenfold. Multiply that by a hundred and now we have the present era of social media, where we consume propaganda relentlessly as we scroll. However, there’s nothing worse than the most extreme form of propaganda and that’s fake news. Imagine lying to people to elicit hatred for a particular community or misleading them to the point of violence against their own countrymen — that’s fake news and sensationalist media working at its finest to further the agenda of a political organization.
As concerned citizens who do not want to see our beloved nation falling prey to such blatant misuse of media, we must raise our voices. This is exactly what the acclaimed Indian band Kuru Circus is doing through their track Bokah Chodah Speaks. This isn't your typical radio single; it’s a sonic middle finger to the insidious machinery of mainstream Indian media. The inspiration behind the song is an unconventional graphic novel, Kuru Chronicles, by frontman Ari Jayaprakash (aka Rogue Atari) that tackles mature themes through a stark visual style heavily influenced by the Vedas, tantric traditions, and the Kamakhya temple. Think black ink splatters on burnt paper; a visceral homage to the fire god Agni. Thematically, it delves into the dark underbelly of society, exploring materialism, consumerism, and even communism. Violence, sexuality, and nudity are all part of the tapestry, woven against the backdrop of the Kali Yuga's end, a Hindu concept signifying a period of moral decline. The song is narrated by Bokah Chodah, a character in the Kuru Chronicles. The graphic novel does not have a linear narrative and is open to multiple interpretations.
The recently released music video for the track complements the thematic treatment in the graphic novel. Even though it is an AI-generated music video, it has uncanny resemblances to the present political scenario of India and how the media serves the agenda of those in power. The visuals are presented as a nightmarish acid trip. Forget passive viewers; this song is a call to arms, one that demands critical thinking in a world saturated with clickbait headlines and dubious narratives.
Watch the music video below.
About the band:
Kuru Circus comprises Chintan Kalra, co-founder of the legendary indie band Parikrama, and Ari Jayaprakash. The band is primarily known for their immersive live shows. For over a decade, these international underground pioneers have been creating a unique sound that's as unsettling as it is irresistible. Electro Kabuki? Syringe Rhythm? Dreamhouse or Firepop? These genre tags barely scratch the surface of what Kuru Circus is all about.
Find out more about Kuru Circus here.
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