Why in the News?

The Kerala High Court emphasized that although violent content in media can have significant social impact, any measures taken must uphold the fundamental right to free speech.

About Cinema 

• Cinema, a popular form of mass media is regarded as the "seventh art", the newest form of art which simultaneously combines the existing ancient disciplines of art. 
  • Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Literature, Theatre and Music are the remaining 6 forms of art.
• Emerging at the end of the 19th century, this new art form became one of the most is remarkably effective medium for conveying drama and evoking emotion.
• By blending diverse artistic and cultural elements, Indian cinema has crafted a unique language that reflects both individual and societal narratives. 

Evolution of Indian Cinema (1950s-2025)

Indian cinema has evolved from the wave of nationalism, reflecting traditional norms, social realism, and reflecting on contemporary issues such as gender equality, caste discrimination, and LGBTQ+ rights.

How does the Cinema Shape the Society?

Positive Impact of Cinema on Indian Society

• Global Recognition of Indian Culture: Indian cinema's international success, like The Elephant Whisperers, RRR winning Oscar, creates national pride and showcases Indian culture and creativity on the world stage.
• Reflection of Cultural Diversity: Films like Dedh Ishqiya highlight Lucknow's Nawabi culture, Piku howcase Bengali culture, Khoobsurat features Rajasthan's forts, etc.
• Reflection of Evolving Family values: Indian Cinema earlier explored family conflicts shaped by societal norms and western influences, as seen in Khandaan (1965). Over time, films began addressing issues like illegitimacy (Masoom, and Kal Ho Na Ho).  Post-2000s, the focus shifted to contemporary issues being faced by nuclear families. Example, 
  • Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna delved into extramarital relationships and divorce once considered taboo. 
  • Goodbye portrayed the emotional journey of a father and his children after the loss of their mother, highlighting intergenerational gaps and the growing emphasis on emotional expression and individual space within families.
• Women Empowerment: Films like Durga Sohay (Bengali) show femal protagonist going against the social limitations and prejudices, and turns out to be the reflection of Goddess Durga. 
• Awareness on Educations: Nil Battey Sannata captures the journey of a mother, a housemaid, who goes back to school to motivate her daughter to study, highlighting the transformative impact of learning.
• Strong Tool For Societal Change 
  • Raising Awareness: Films like Paa and Taare Zameen Par educated audiences about progeria and dyslexia.
  • Changing Social Attitudes: Fire and Aligarh sparked important conversations about LGBTQ+ rights. Aligarh, Bala, etc.
  • Shaping Nationalistic Views: Films influence public opinion on national events, from Tamil cinema's political impact (Muthu, Annamalai) to patriotic Bollywood productions (Swadesh)

Negative Impact of Cinema on Indian Society

• Gender Stereotypes and Toxic Masculinity: Women still often shown as objects (item songs), and domestic Violence against them is normalised in movies like Hum Tumhaare hain Sanam, Pushpa. 
  • Additionally, Films like Kabir Singh and Animal glorify aggression and unhealthy male behavior.
• Promoting Unrealistic Body Standards: Cinema often promotes the idea that fair skin is superior, often casting fair-skinned actors as leads. 
  • It also encourages body shaming, where both too thin and overweight individuals are ridiculed. 
• Questioning Institution of Family: Cinema frequently depicts love marriages and live-in relationships more favorably offering a contrast to traditional family values, as seen in films like OK Jaanu.
• Shift in Cultural Preferences: Cinema's growing focus on Western dance styles (like hip-hop and jazz) and music (like rap) has influenced youth preferences, sometimes overshadowing traditional Indian art forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak.
• Poor Representation of the Vulnerable Community: Indian cinema often presents vulnerable communities like LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities etc with great insensitivity, reducing them to stereotypes or comedy. 
  • Films like Dostana mocks homosexuality, while Golmaal mocks speech impairment and blindness.
• Glorification of Substance Use: Films like Dev D often portray drinking and smoking as trendy or a way to cope, influencing teens to see them as part of a "cool" lifestyle.
• Deepening Divide: Propaganda-driven movies are increasingly promoting specific political ideologies, stirring up old issues to manipulate emotions and fuel animosity, deepening social divides.

Conclusion

Cinema is a powerful mirror of society that reflects our values, however, it also challenges our beliefs, and shapes how we think and feel. Cinema should evolve as a force for social change that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and empathy, while also respecting public sensibilities and promoting Constitutional and Social morality.