Indian Cinema - Forgetting Indian Culture ?
Is Indian cinema forgetting Indian culture and its value...??
Every person,who is fond of cinema,knows the proper place of sex and violence in films.If we consider the fact that people in general have undergone a rapid change in thinkingwe will not object to the inclusion of some such scenes in movies.But normally such scenes would not threaten the morality of the viewers if they look for a harmonious part of the story or plot.But one thing should be remembered that the inclusion of these two elements in films should not be exploited for selfish needs without caring for the harm done or being caused to others.That means the portrayal of sex and violence in films should not be with sole motive of earning money.Such a motive reflects lack of honesty and sincerity on the part of the film makers.Scenes of violence and sex cause a lot of social harm by affecting the minds of the young people.western cinema is mostly based on stories of sex abuse and violence.
The indian film industry has also started imitating the West blindly.A stage has been reached now where even putting a ban on such films will be of no use.If people are prevented from watching such films,they can have access to Western movies on internet and satellite T.V.In other words,our cinema is not the only cause of increasing crime and violence.
But the fact is that scenarion has also changed.Previously children were not allowed to see films of every kind.They could see only those movies which had religious and historical themes.the times have changed.To talk about films is no more a taboo.People discuss violence freely and they have easy access to weapons for crimes.Violence and sex have become a part of our life.Why should we worry? What about the other social evils like corruption,prostitution,black money and so on?There are stories of sex,violence,murders etc in our ancient literature.These were not inspired by films.In fact,cinema did not exist at that time.So,we can't blame films as the only reason.We cannot avoid such things and they will always be a part of our life.There is also no point in imposing full responsibility of such social maladies solely on films.
Saying about the effect of hollywood in indian cinema,we should see and understand those films.People in west see these films but we can't say that it has resulted in the increase in crime.If we compare our films with those movies in Hollywood,we will see the difference.The original uncensored western films are available in our metros.If we saw that films we can feel the difference.Our censor board selection is not so appreciable.What is allowed by them in our films cannot be called as sex.The violence shown in our films is not as potent as to encourage crime in the country.Our films are just a counter part in the west.
There is no doubt that the trend of presenting sex and violence in our films has been increasing.New methods of house breaks,robbery and murder are devised and shown in them.The young and unemployed people use these methods sometimes in actual life.Sometimes,crimes are glorified.Robbers,smugglers and murderers are projected as heroes,helping the poor and the down trodden.In some cases,such things are introduced in films to prolong them when actually the story of the film does not call for it.This is used as an inducement to attract more viewers.It is nothing less than commercial exploitation of sex and violence.Those people who go to films regularly and have no source of good earning may begin to immitate film villains,heroes and heroines and start taking part in violence and thus causing serious law and order problems.
But we can't blame the entire indian film industry.Many people doesnot agree.Most of us may have only book or newspaper knowledge about this subject.The main aim of film is to entertain viewers.The inclusion of a few such scenes enhances the entertainment value of the film.Real entertainment can be provided by a film when there is a perfect combination and balance of different ingredients.we can't say that there should be no sex or violence in a film.Industry makes such films because the viewers likes seeing such films.And those are totally against this must not go to see films and that will be a better remedy because we can't avoid it completely.
A well known wise thought is that the knife is meant for cutting fuits and vegetables and the same knife is misused to hurt a human.the knife cannot be blamed for this.Similarly,films with sex and violence are liable to be exploitedfor natural and inhuman acts.Its all about how we percieve those films.
In a case where sex or violence is used in normal and natural course in the story,it is not called exploitation.However,if these are used just to attract more viewers and make more money,it will certainly amount to exploitation.The inclusion of sex and violence in films should be closely related to theme of story.If the culprits involved in gruesome violence and sex crimes are shown to have been punished severly by courts,it will convey a strong message to the socety.This will not encourage criminal acts in real life.In fact,such an approach will serve as a deterrent to those indulging in immoral and unsocial activities.
Some may say that art films have deviation from this.But when we say about the total film industry , we cannot differentiate between main stream cinema and off beat cinema.We should consider them generally as Indian cinema.Making of film is itself is an art,so a film can be either good or bad.Commercial films are so called because they aim at making money while offbeat films are more close to life without giving much importance to monetary aspect.However,in india sometimes people watch movies to escape from the realities of every day life.Actually films are not motivating people to commit crimes or dacoity.But it also makes people aware of what is actually going on in the society.Mostly the movies reflect the social problems whether it is untouchability or the terrorism.
The question is that can we use the word 'exploitation' while talking about films which has scenes of violence.This is a hackneyed phrase and is used by many politicians,journalists etc. In connection with films,there is no uniformity in the granting of 'U' or 'A' certificates by our censore boards.Also satellite channels being operated from outside the country also show such films which are seen by minors and adults alike.The real causes are social and economic.
We should therefore,reduce poverty,educate our people and provide employment opportunities to the youth as all such factors cause crime and violence in their own way.If all the citizens get the opportunity for proper education,they will themselves know the difference between right and wrong values in life.Indian films play a pivotal role in social reforms through entertainment and any harm to society can be ruled out.Thus,they won't be vulnerable to any kind of exploitation.With these steps,there will be reduction in crime rate and violence.
It means that as a remedy for the wong perception of films,we should educate our people against the ill effects of such films.In addition,problems like poverty and unemployment need immediate action as these also lead the youth to crime and violence.By these we can avoid the bad effects in the society that can be caused by films.
So,we can't blame the indian films for all the bad things happening in the society.Film is an art,an entertainment media and after all a powerful media.The change of mind is rather required than change in films.If you conceive the films in the correct sense , then there will be no problem.Always think wisely,judge wisely and act wisely.
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