Kochi: The FEFKA Directors' Union has strongly denied allegations that Malayalam films are responsible for the rise in crime and violence among Kerala’s youth. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the union stated that blaming cinema as the primary cause of violence is "absurd and unfounded."

FEFKA pointed out that research suggests violent acts do not occur suddenly or in a specific state of mind. Instead, they are a result of prolonged mental conditioning and environmental factors.

"We live in an era of unprecedented media expansion. Data analytics now reveal how many people have searched Google for information on how to commit suicide or how to commit murder without mistakes," the statement read.

The union also highlighted that foreign media influences have long been accessible in India.

"Our children and adults have been watching games and series from Japan and Korea for a long time. It's well known that these series and movies depict extreme violence. But Japan is the country with the lowest crime rate. Their legal system, social security standards, and social auditing work so effectively."

Selective blame on certain films

FEFKA criticised the tendency to selectively blame specific films for violent crimes.

“The film 'Anjaam Pathiraa' is said to have influenced Vishnupriya’s murder. 'Drishyam 1' and 'Drishyam 2' have been criticised for allegedly inspiring similar crimes. Now, similar allegations are being made against 'Marco'. But we must not forget that the ideas behind such films originate from society itself.”

Addressing the drug menace, the union stated, “The police, excise department, and media frequently cite synthetic drugs as a major cause of crime. These substances are easily available on campuses, streets, and even some hotels and bars in Kerala. Is it reasonable to claim that this surge in drug abuse is due to the portrayal of drug use in a few films?”

FEFKA highlighted the contradictions in blaming cinema for drug-related issues. “It was our fellow writers and directors who created the powerful statement, ‘Narcotics is a dirty business,’ in two hugely successful Malayalam films starring one of the most popular actors. If such a widely celebrated dialogue couldn’t influence the audience against drug use, then selectively attributing the rise of drug abuse to certain film scenes is pure double standards.”

“We believe that the selective attribution of influence—where powerful statements in films that create a stir in theatres are ignored, but other scenes are blamed—is merely an excuse for a system that has failed to control the deadly flow of drugs.”

Criticism of censorship and moral policing

FEFKA also took a strong stand against calls for stricter film censorship.

"Those who think that a work of art can only be moulded in a particular way should be called fascists. Can we accept the banning of Salman Rushdie's book by religious fundamentalists and the argument that M. Mukundan's works introduced drugs and ganja to our youth? Are the films of Quentin Tarantino and Michael Haneke creating a sense of violence in American children?"

The union expressed disappointment that cinema is being used as a scapegoat for deeper societal issues.

“When alcohol consumption and violent ragging remain major issues on campuses, it is disheartening that those who should engage in deep self-criticism are instead taking the easy route of blaming cinema.”

FEFKA concluded by stating that cinema is an art form and should be upheld as a medium of expression rather than being unfairly targeted. 

“The attempt to uphold cinema as an art form is, in itself, an act of humanity,” the union stated.