Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar recently voiced his concerns over the double standards in India’s film censorship, highlighting a disturbing trend where movies reflecting societal realities face obstacles. This criticism emerged during the inaugural session of the Anantrang Mental Health Cultural Festival held on Friday.
Akhtar articulated that the choices of the audience play a crucial role in determining which movies succeed. He pointed out that films filled with vulgarity often pass regulatory scrutiny without issue, while those that shed light on crucial social issues struggle for approval.
“In this country, vulgarity will still be passed by the film boards,” he lamented. “They don’t realize that these are wrong values — a male chauvinistic view that humiliates women. But what will not be passed is something that shows the mirror to society,” Akhtar stated. His remarks underscore the need for a more responsible approach to film regulation.
In no uncertain terms, he emphasized that films merely reflect societal realities and should not be scapegoated for existing issues. “A film is a window into society through which you peek. Closing the window will not fix what is happening outside,” he remarked, advocating for filmmakers’ right to portray genuine societal issues.
Impact of Hyper-Masculinity on Mental Health
Akhtar also delved into the implications of hyper-masculine portrayals in films on mental health, asserting that such portrayals become popular due to societal acceptance. “It is because of the mental health of men that such films are being made. If men’s mental health improves, such films won’t be made — and even if they are, they won’t work,” he posited.
Drawing an analogy with faith, Akhtar said, “In show business, the audience is god. A bad audience makes a bad film successful.” His incisive commentary highlights the responsibility audiences carry in shaping the film industry.
Decline in Artistic Standards
His sentiments extended to the burgeoning prevalence of vulgar songs clogging the airwaves. Akhtar revealed his long-standing refusal to engage with such content, recalling that even in the 80s, he turned down projects that compromised artistic integrity. “During the 80s, many songs had double meanings, but I refused to write them. I’m not sad that people recorded them — I’m sad that those songs became superhits. That shows it’s the audience that shapes the industry,” he reflected.
Akhtar criticized the controversial yet iconic song ‘Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai’, expressing disappointment over parents taking pride in their children dancing to such music. “If these are the values of society, what can you expect from films and songs? Society is responsible — cinema is only a manifestation,” he stated emphatically.
Celebrating Quality Cinema
Despite his criticism, Akhtar acknowledged the merits of recent cinema. He praised ‘Saiyaara’, directed by Mohit Suri and featuring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, describing its music as “refreshingly calm and soulful.”
“The music of Saiyaara has a stillness, an old charm. Today, music has become so frantic that percussion drowns the voice. When something soothing comes, it feels like shade in harsh sunlight,” he observed.
The Importance of Embracing Emotions
When questioned about the role of sadness in music and life, Akhtar offered a philosophical perspective. “It’s not good to deny sadness; otherwise, it will resurface elsewhere. Earlier, every film had one or two sad songs, but now they’ve vanished because we believe ‘achhe din aa gaye hain’. This denial of sadness is unhealthy — accept it, cry if you must. That’s what keeps the mind healthy,” he added with a smile.
