Govt has limitations in averting drug content in films, says Minister Saji Cheriyan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian said the government has limitations in preventing drug content in films and that the Central Film Censor Board should intervene in the content of films. He clarified that the government will bring the issue to the attention of the Censor Board and that a meeting was held with people from the film industry in this regard.

'The government has limitations to intervene in the content since it is a matter of freedom of expression. The government will bring such matters to the attention of the Censor Board. A meeting was held with people from the film industry the other day in this regard. They were directed that such films should not be promoted under any circumstances. They have accepted it in principle,' the minister said.

The Ministry of Information and Communications and the Censor Board have been urgently requested to control films that promote drug use and violence. The minister also clarified that such films should be curbed on OTT as well.

Meantime, the high court had stated the other day that the glorification of violent scenes in films would influence the society. However, it was also asked to what extent the government's intervention can be expected since it is a matter of freedom of expression. The remark came after the State Women's Commission opined that the government's new film policy should include provisions to avoid violent scenes in films.

The Women's Commission said violence has increased among teenagers and even murders are taking place. It pointed out that one of the reasons for this is the glorification of violence by even the lead characters in films. However, the court said that there could be arguments that what is shown in the film is a reflection of what is happening in society.