Mumbai, India – Javed Akhtar, a renowned lyricist and writer, has expressed concerns about the increasing trend of commercially successful films with problematic scenes. Speaking at the Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival in Aurangabad, Akhtar highlighted the potential danger these films pose to society. While he did not mention any specific film, his comments can be seen as a veiled reference to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal.
In his speech, the 78-year-old screenwriter emphasized the responsibility of young filmmakers in shaping the characters that society will applaud. Akhtar warned against films that portray scenes in which a man asks a woman to lick his shoe or justifies the act of slapping a woman. According to him, if such films achieve tremendous success at the box office, it sets a dangerous precedent.
The controversial key scene in Animal, in which the lead character asks his mistress to lick his shoes, appears to be on Akhtar’s mind. While the film has achieved substantial financial success, grossing nearly Rs 900 crore globally, it has faced criticism for its misogynistic and violent content.
Akhtar believes that audiences now have a significant role to play in deciding which films should be accepted and rejected. He stressed the importance of audiences choosing movies that align with their values and rejecting those that don’t. The veteran screenwriter emphasized that the decision lies in the hands of the viewers.
Furthermore, Akhtar discussed the challenges faced by writers when portraying heroes on screen. He pointed out that the confusion surrounding societal values makes it difficult to create compelling and morally upright characters. The changing dynamics of society, where the desire for wealth and success takes precedence, have blurred the lines between good and bad characters.
In conclusion, Javed Akhtar has voiced his concerns about the dangerous trend of commercially successful films with problematic scenes. While not specifically mentioning Animal, his comments shed light on the consequences of such movies. As the onus now falls on audiences to shape the future of cinema, their choices will determine the values and moralities depicted in films.
(Note: This article has been written in accordance with AP News Style guidelines and does not contain any direct quotations or references to specific news organizations.)