Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar sharply criticizes Indian film censorship, arguing that regulatory bodies often hinder realistic films while allowing those with vulgarity and regressive values to thrive. He made these comments during the inaugural session of the Anantrang Mental Health Cultural Festival on Friday.
Akhtar pinpointed audience choices as the vital force behind the success of films, stating that the public’s preferences dictate the market. “In this country, vulgarity will still be passed by the film boards,” he stated, highlighting the misguided values that perpetuate gender stereotypes. “But what will not be passed is something that shows the mirror to society.”
His assertion underscores a broader problem in Indian cinema where films that reflect social realities often face hurdles in approval. “A film is a window into society through which you peek. Closing the window will not fix what is happening outside,” Akhtar emphasized.
Shifting focus to the themes of hyper-masculinity and mental health, Akhtar revealed how societal approval of such portrayals leads to their proliferation in cinema. “It is because of the mental health of men that such films are being made. If men’s mental health improves, such films won’t be made — and even if they are, they won’t work.”
In a metaphor that resonates with many in the entertainment industry, Akhtar asserted, “In show business, the audience is god. A bad audience makes a bad film successful.” This highlights the profound impact of viewers on the cinematic landscape.
Akhtar’s critique extended to the rise of vulgar and double-meaning songs dominating the music scene. He lamented the declining standards, stating he has consistently refused to write such lyrics throughout his career. “During the 80s, many songs had double meanings, but I refused to write them. I’m not sad that people recorded them — I’m sad that those songs became superhits.” Such reflections reveal a troubling trend where audience tastes significantly influence industry content.
He illustrated these concerns with the controversial track ‘Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai’, stressing that accepting objectionable content reflects a decline in societal values. “If these are the values of society, what can you expect from films and songs? Society is responsible — cinema is only a manifestation.”
Despite his critique of contemporary cinema, Akhtar commended the film ‘Saiyaara’, directed by Mohit Suri. This film featuring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda earned praise for its music, which he described as “refreshingly calm and soulful.” Akhtar stated, “The music of Saiyaara has a stillness, an old charm. Today, music has become so frantic that percussion drowns the voice.”
When asked about the impact of sad songs on mental health, Akhtar responded with introspection. He pointed out, “It’s not good to deny sadness; otherwise, it will resurface elsewhere. Earlier, every film had one or two sad songs, but now they’ve vanished because we believe ‘achhe din aa gaye hain’. This denial of sadness is unhealthy — accept it, cry if you must. That’s what keeps the mind healthy,” he added, sharing a smile.
