Violence among youngsters in Kerala has nothing to do with films, says FEFKA

Kochi: The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) on Tuesday denied claims that movies are responsible for the increasing crime and violence among the youth in Kerala. FEFKA stated that blaiming cinema as the sole cause of violence is "absurd and unfounded."

“Recently a statement has been made by the government, political-youth-student movement leaders, police officers, psychologists, journalists, social observers, etc., that it is Malayalam films that motivate the young people to commit mass murders and such heinous acts without any remorse, like the recent one that shook our country. These opinions are based on an equation or a very weak and simplified reflection theory that the 'violence' depicted in the film is the cause of social evils,” FEFKA said in a statement. 

FEFKA further questioned the logic behind attributing social violence to cinema, especially in an era where information is easily accessible to everyone.

“In a social environment where any information in the world is available at the fingertips, what is the basis for such an allegation that films produce violence?” it asked.

In its press release, FEFKA also criticised the argument for stricter film censorship.  

"Those who believe that a work of art should be molded and presented in only one way should be called fascists. Can we justify the banning of Salman Rushdie's book by religious fundamentalists? Or accept the claim that M. Mukundan's works introduced drugs and ganja to our youth? Do the films of Quentin Tarantino and Michael Haneke instil violence in American children?"

In the release, FEFKA also questioned whether cinema is responsible for issues such as patriarchy, dowry harassment, and political decline.The organisation also pointed out that broader societal issues play a significant role in shaping behaviour.