Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, following the release of his controversial film The Bengal Files, has voiced strong opinions about the current state of the Indian film industry. He argues that a significant reason for the industry’s financial difficulties is its departure from relatable narratives and a tendency to underestimate its audience.
Agnihotri points to the golden era of filmmaking, citing the works of legends like Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, Yash Chopra, Salim Javed, and Manmohan Desai. He recalls that while these films were entertaining with songs and dance, they also resonated deeply with audiences by addressing socio-political issues, touching upon themes like women’s struggles, marital problems, and political commentary.
He further illustrates his point by referencing the films of Amitabh Bachchan from the 1980s and 1990s. Agnihotri explains that Bachchan’s characters often fought against oppressors, providing a sense of hope and inspiration to viewers. However, he observes a shift with the growing influence of the international market, leading to a perception among filmmakers that audiences are “dumb” and thus deserve “dumb stories.” This, he contends, has resulted in a generation of films offering simplistic solutions and lacking genuine connection.
Agnihotri, known for his impactful films like The Kashmir Files, The Tashkent Files, and The Vaccine War, questions the lack of films centered on societal issues or the common man in recent years. He laments the absence of stories about ordinary individuals—the son of a teacher, a farmer, a clerk, or anyone from the middle class—who rise against adversity and offer a glimmer of hope. He believes the industry’s current trajectory, which has “thrown the common man out of your films,” has led to the common man reciprocating by “throwing you out of their life,” ultimately contributing to the industry’s decline.
Key Takeaways:
- Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri criticizes the Hindi film industry for creating “dumb stories” for an audience perceived as unintelligent.
- He argues that a lack of relatable narratives focusing on the common man has led to declining box office success.
- Agnihotri contrasts this with older films that successfully blended entertainment with socio-political themes and offered hope.
- Films like The Kashmir Files and The Bengal Files are cited as examples of his approach to impactful cinema.
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