Kerala is currently grappling with the role of cinema in the rise of violence among its youth, following a series of brutal incidents involving children and young adults. The issue was brought to the forefront after a string of killings, including the tragic mass murder in Venjaramoodu and a student death in Thamarassery, both linked to violent behavior among the youth. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s statement on the negative influence of films sparked a heated debate, especially after police reports suggested that several students attempted to emulate gangster characters from the movie Avesham.
The Case Against Cinema:
In his address, the CM highlighted that films glorifying violence, where characters who commit murder or attack others are heroized, can influence impressionable youth. He pointed specifically to Avesham, a film where the protagonist’s violent actions are portrayed as heroic. This, he argued, contributes to hero-worship among children, making them more likely to engage in similar criminal behavior.
Psychiatrists and psychologists have weighed in, emphasizing that while films may not be the sole cause, they do play a significant role in desensitizing young viewers to violence. Dr. CJ John, a senior psychiatrist, noted that children exposed to such media often exhibit more aggressive behavior. Likewise, consultant psychologist Abhirami E warned that repeated exposure to violent films and games can desensitize children, making it harder for them to distinguish right from wrong.
The Role of Violent Media:
This concern is not limited to Malayalam cinema. Violent films from other Indian languages, as well as OTT series, have become increasingly popular, with many featuring brutal fight scenes and crime-driven narratives. Critics argue that these films, often depicted with high levels of action, sound, and color, normalize aggression and violence, turning it into a source of entertainment rather than something to be condemned.
The Need for Responsibility in Film Production:
In response to these concerns, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) recently took action by banning the film Marco due to its extreme violence. Producer Sharif Muhammad has announced that he will refrain from making violent films in the future. Film critic GP Ramachandran highlighted how Marco featured dismembered bodies and gruesome acts that served no narrative purpose other than to showcase the “masculinity” of the killer characters, raising questions about the responsibility of filmmakers in depicting such content.
Film Industry’s Response:
The Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) and the FEFKA director’s union have countered the CM’s remarks, arguing that films are not the sole drivers of violence. They pointed out that violence is pervasive in various forms of media, including OTT platforms and video games, and questioned whether cinema should be held solely accountable. FEFKA further emphasized that cinema reflects societal values and challenges, asserting that films like Drishyam and Anjaam Pathira are not the cause of real-life violence but rather reflect existing social issues.
The Debate Over Censorship:
While some film professionals, like director Don Palathara, caution against scapegoating cinema for societal violence, others see the growing calls for censorship as an easy way out. Palathara argued that reducing complex societal problems to cinematic influences oversimplifies the situation. He believes cinema should not be blamed for broader issues like inequality, lack of proper socialization, and limited access to healthy outlets for youth.
Palathara also expressed concern that excessive censorship would limit artistic expression and reduce cinema to mere propaganda rather than a reflection of society’s multifaceted nature.
Conclusion:
The ongoing debate in Kerala reflects the broader tension between artistic freedom and social responsibility. While there is no clear consensus on the role of cinema in shaping behavior, one thing remains certain: the influence of media on youth requires careful consideration. Discussions on this issue need to encompass not just the content of films but also the broader societal factors, including parenting, education, and social environment, that contribute to shaping young minds. Instead of focusing solely on censorship, it may be more productive to address the deeper issues of socialization and emotional intelligence that influence behavior.
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