Prem Kumar speaks out against increasing violence in films; 'this is cruelty towards new generation'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When Chalachitra Academy Chairman Prem Kumar said in his introductory speech at the State TV Awards ceremony that films like Endosulfan are also being made these days, the audience received it with applause.

"Films that portray murders as cruel entertainment that awakens the wildness and animal instincts dormant within humans are dangerous," he said. In the context of recent incidents of increased violence in the state, Prem Kumar spoke to Kerala Kaumudi.

Q. Is there unprecedented violence in Malayalam cinema?

Such films are cruelty to the new generation. There are brutal murder scenes in some films. The competition is on how to portray the scenes of killing fellow human beings in the most gruesome way. Such scenes of violence come to the newer generation at a time when they are dying in the grip of deadly addiction. When such films are 'enthusiastically' accepted and celebrated by this new generation, all these murders would be seen as cruel entertainment. People will get influenced and try to bring those demonic scenes into their own lives. There are many other reasons for the increase in the desire for violence in teenagers. Along with that, our cinema becomes a great stimulus, like pouring oil on the fire.

Q. Is there an opinion that the system called the Censor Board is not working properly?

The Censor Board is supposed to monitor the content of the film and make necessary corrections for it. For cinema, the censorship system was a relief. However many films come out, even bypassing those censorship systems.

Q. What could be the reason behind the increase of such films?

For film producers, the only goal is to enter the crore clubs. Make money at any cost. Whatever happens to society as a result of it is not a problem for them. If the new generation dies fighting with each other due to violent tendencies, it's not a problem for them. This attitude needs to change. Malayalam has been able to contribute some of the best films to the world.

Q. Can the Film Academy play a leadership role in ending such a trend?

Of course. The resolution will be discussed with the participation of channel representatives working in the TV sector, organisations, community observers, and audiences.

As a follow-up to that, the Academy will also intervene in the film sector as much as it can. A film policy is going to be formulated. I am on that policy-making committee. I will stand by this position on the resolution. We will discuss and decide on the form of control. If the Academy takes a decision alone, it will be autocratic.