Hypermasculine films driven by men's mental health issues: Javed Akhtar
What's the story
Veteran Bollywood screenwriter-lyricist Javed Akhtar has expressed his disappointment over the censorship of films that reflect societal realities in India. Speaking at the Anantrang mental health cultural festival on Friday, he said that while films filled with vulgarity are easily cleared by regulatory bodies, those that hold up a mirror to society face hurdles. "In this country...vulgarity will still be passed by...What will not be passed is something that shows the mirror to society," he said.
Societal approval
Mental health of men in focus
Akhtar also spoke about the impact of "hyper-masculinity" in films on mental health. He said, "It is because of the mental health of men that such films are being made. If the mental health of men becomes better, then such films won't be made." "For instance, people who are religious...they never blame god for it. Likewise, in show business, the audience is the god." "It is a bad audience that makes a bad film successful."
Song criticism
Akhtar has always refused vulgar songs
Akhtar also criticized the trend of "vulgar" songs in films and lamented that these songs have become super hits. "There was a time...when songs either had double or no meanings, but I would not do such films," he said. "Like the song 'Choli Ke Piche...' is something I have heard many parents say with pride that their eight-year-old daughter dances perfectly on this track." "If these are the values of the society, what do you expect from [cinema]?"
Film appreciation
Praise for Mohit Suri's 'Saiyaara'
Despite his criticism, Akhtar found solace in the recent film Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri. He praised its soothing melodies and nostalgic charm. "A movie like this comes, and its music...there is a stillness in it and an old charm to it like earlier times," he said. The romantic drama starred newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda.