Had an interaction with this theatre person who also writes some interesting shayari. One statement that he made about himself was how Bolliwood was a major influence upon his mind in his growing up years. How he grew up internalising the flimsy superficial values that are absorbed from there. My mind quickly connected this to an interaction with another so called intellectual who had the honesty to admit that his world view was formed by the movies of his generation, which is at least 3.5 decades behind! Wasn't this data enough for me to come to deduce that we as a society are largely leading orphaned existances: for our own families have failed us to be raised with a mindset that has a standing of its own and thus can sift authentic from the trash.
Yesterday post watching this movie 'Animal', i was aghast that stuff like this is not only just being churned out, but is being consumed with a voracious appetite!! The absolutely baseless mindless violence that has been given a heroic status, the comedy that was nothing but crass; the narrative technique that was somehow managed as madly as possible.
Actors with a lot of potential should have the integrity to resist being a part of such atrocious cinema! I was super annoyed with Ranbir kapoor! I expect so much better from him! Even the way the love has flowered out between him and his wife-to-be in the movie was totally pathetic! If a man was to qualify himself in the eyes of a woman with stuff like this, then I wonder if God too could save the entire feminine race! Ok, she leaves him in the end, but the very reasons of choosing a man like him in the first place is what i am raising a question at. "you have a wide pelvis" says the hero to the heroine, only to clarify that she will bear good offsprings, effortlessly delivering them!" This is a reason enough for her to fall totally head over heals in love with him. Whatever else was offered to woo her was is so flimsy as a means to reinforce him as husband material, that it is all so bewildering to imagine we as a society are allowing ourselves such junk!
Why should I have such a strong opinion!?" "its only just a movie! You are supposed to see it all with putting your head elsewhere; or not put too much head to it." Wish I could convince myself with arguments like these! But the fact that there's thousands and millions in this country who are so impressionable and take away all this crap to internalize! We are not just allowing, but ensuring that we are nurturing our youth with the most contaminated world views and eventually creating a world that could be a ticking time bomb.
Our silence could be suicidal!
Across generations, various forms of artistic expression like literature, theatre, poetry, sculptures, paintings, familial narratives, and even gossip contribute to shaping opinions about the world. Each medium carries its own blend of realism, fantasy, filth, and fascination, reflecting and influencing the existing realities.
ReplyDeleteOver the last 70 years, films have emerged as a particularly popular medium. In the early years, movies were influenced by the fervor of the times, encompassing desperation, hope, and the desire to construct an ideal world. The films of the 1950s by directors like Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, and Dev Anand, presented a harmonious blend of social values and personal romance.
As time progressed, the genre underwent transformations. The 1970s witnessed the rise of the angry young man portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan and the macho persona of Dharmendra, overshadowing the romantic charm of actors like Rajesh Khanna. Through the 1980s and 90s, this Genere of mainstream cinema dominated, occasionally punctuated by sensitive storytelling.
Post-2000, there was a shift towards films characterized by increased violence, explicit content, abuse, and heightened machoism. However, it's essential to recognize that such movies are only one facet of influence, and concern for the current generation shouldn't be overstated. Despite the prevalence of explicit content, the current generation displays heightened sensitivity towards gender issues and inclusivity, suggesting a more progressive outlook.