'Listening to those girls shocked me, it's unfair to blame only films for rising violence’: Jagadish

Sharing his views on the influence of violent scenes in films on the audience, Actor Jagadish said that it is not fair to claim that children display violent tendencies solely due to the influence of movies. He expressed shock and sadness after hearing a video in which college students openly discussed their favourite drug brands. Jagadish urged that anyone who comes forward against drugs and violence should be supported.

He made these remarks during a press conference held as part of the promotion of his latest film Parivaar. Addressing recent incidents of violence, Jagadish highlighted that the Censor Board has clearly stated that films with violence and adult content should not be watched by children. However, if children are still watching such films, parents should take responsibility and remain vigilant, he added. 

The actor reiterated that it is not solely the influence of cinema that causes violent tendencies in children, pointing out that highly violent video games are also available.

"It is not right to solely blame cinema for everything. Events happening around us and elsewhere can also influence us. If a student in America shoots and kills 25 or 30 classmates, won’t that news affect a child here? Just as cinema can influence, so can visuals of such incidents. If we see a lion hunting a deer on the National Geographic channel, we might feel disturbed and close our eyes. However, some people may find such scenes exciting. Those who enjoy such violence may be influenced by these visuals.

“Even if we avoid it, violence is present in foreign language films available on OTT platforms. One should not allow themselves to be influenced by it," he said. Jagadish also cited the film Lage Raho Munna Bhai, which advocates Gandhian principles, stating that if one can be influenced by violence, they can equally be influenced by goodness.

"In Marco, it is not me but my character who supports violence. Do the audience admire Tony Isaac, the character, or Jagadish, the person? As an individual, I have never spoken in favour of violence. Whether in schools or colleges, I have always tried to convey messages of love. It is debatable if the audience rejects Jagadish's message and accepts Tony Isaac's message," he said.

Jagadish pointed out that drugs are most commonly sold near schools and colleges, with reports of a code language being used for the trade. He had seen a video where college students openly discussed their favourite drug brands, which deeply saddened him. His concern was not because the individuals in the video were women or students, but due to society's increasing acceptance of such matters. 

He emphasised the need to support all efforts to curb these issues, adding that there is no reason to feel proud about what is happening around us.