Renowned poet Javed Akhtar addressed the state of modern cinema in a thought-provoking speech at the Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival in Aurangabad. He voiced his worries about the kinds of movies that are becoming popular in this day and age. Akhtar hinted at the underlying criticism even though he avoided specifically bringing up Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s most recent project, “Animal,” which stars Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, and Ranbir Kapoor.
Speaking to the crowd, Javed Akhtar expressed his disquiet about the popularity of movies that depict gruesome situations. “If a man asks a woman to lick his shoe, if a man says it’s okay to slap a woman… and the film is a super hit, that’s dangerous,” he said, making reference to a specific scene from “Animal” that featured Triptii Dimrii and Ranbir Kapoor. Notably, a sequence in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s earlier movie “Kabir Singh” that showed the lead character slapping his love interest had similarly drawn criticism.
Akhtar highlighted the audience’s crucial role in determining the course of the industry. He challenged the audience to be accountable for the material they watch and listen to, since it has a direct impact on the kinds of movies and songs that become popular. “Today, the viewer bears a greater responsibility than the director. You also accept accountability for the movies you choose to watch. That determines the genre of movies that will be produced,” he said. You make the final call on what should be accepted and denied. The morals and values shown in our movies are up to you.”
Despite generating conflicting reactions, “Animal” has been a commercial success at the box office and has received praise for Ranbir Kapoor’s acting as well as criticism for maintaining toxic masculinity. A layer of contemplation over the social responsibility connected to the consumption of such cinematic content is added by Javed Akhtar’s perceptive remark.
