Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar has voiced his disappointment over the way films are regulated in India, pointing out that movies which reflect the realities of society often face obstacles, while those promoting vulgarity are easily cleared.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the Anantrang mental health cultural festival in Mumbai on Friday, Akhtar said it is the audience that plays a key role in deciding the success of such films.

Why is Akhtar upset with film regulations?

“In this country, the fact is that vulgarity will still be passed by (the film regulatory bodies), they do not know that these are wrong values, a male chauvinistic view that is humiliating women and is insensitive. What will not be passed is something that shows the mirror to society,” he said.

He explained that films often mirror the world outside and that ignoring them does not change reality.

“A film is a window into society through which you peek, then close the window, but closing the window will not fix what is happening,” he cited.

How does hyper-masculinity in films affect society?

Talking about hyper-masculine characters and their influence on mental health, Akhtar said the popularity of such content is rooted in social approval.

“It is because of the mental health of men that such films (about hyper-masculinity) are being made. If the mental health of men becomes better, then such films won't be made, and even if they are made, they won't work (in theatres),” he said.

He went on to compare the influence of audiences in cinema to religious belief.

“For instance, people who are religious and whenever they face hurdles, 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,” he said.

According to Akhtar, filmmakers simply follow what society embraces.

“Films are a manifestation of what is happening in society, and their producers often run behind trends, and they make such movies only,” he added.

What does he think about vulgar songs?

Akhtar also expressed concern about the growing number of vulgar songs in films. He said he has always refused such work as it does not match his personal values.

“There was a time, especially in the 80s, when songs either had double or no meanings, but I would not do such films. I am not sad about the fact that people recorded such songs and put them in films, but I am sad that the songs became super hits. So, it is the audience that influences the film,” he said.

He gave a popular example to explain his point. “Like, the song, ‘Choli Ke Piche Kya Hai', is something I have heard many parents say with a lot of 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 the songs and films that will be made? So, the society is responsible, cinema is only a manifestation,” Akhtar claimed.

Which recent film impressed him?

Despite his criticism, Akhtar praised the film ‘Saiyaara’ for its music and old-world charm. The romantic drama, directed by Mohit Suri, featured newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda.

“A movie like this (Saiyaara) comes, and its music, there is a stillness in it and an old charm to it like earlier times. Today, music has become so frantic that the percussion overpowers the voice, and you can barely hear the words. So, if a movie comes out in that, which may not be perfect but provides you with a little shade because you are so tired of this ruthless sunlight, that you feel nice,” he said.

What is his view on sadness in music and films?

When asked whether listening to sad songs or poetry can make someone feel more depressed, Akhtar replied, “Yes and no.”

“It isn't good to disown sadness; otherwise, it will hit you somewhere else. Earlier, films had one or two sad songs, but now, such songs are not seen in our films because ‘Humare ache din aa gaye hai'. This kind of denial is very unhealthy. If you are sad, then you cry, and accept that sadness, denying it will distort your mind,” he said on a lighter note.

PTI inputs