A lot of changes are being seen in cinema these days. On the one hand, while a large number of South films are being liked by the audience, they are criticizing English cinema. Meanwhile, Kabir Khan, one of the finest directors of English cinema, has said that nationalism needs a ‘villain’, not patriotism. On the other hand, Karan Johar said that English cinema sometimes falls prey to the herd mentality. Read both the news in detail below…
victim of herd mentality
Veteran filmmaker Karan Johar on Saturday said English cinema sometimes falls prey to the herd mentality where filmmakers tend to chase popular trends instead of trying something new. Karan Johar was speaking at ABP Network’s ‘Vichares of India’ conference, where he discussed the rise of the South Indian film industry and lessons for Bollywood. In a conversation with film critic Mayank Shekhar, Karan said, “I am putting myself in the same category when I say English cinema, I think sometimes we fall prey to the herd mentality.” He gave examples of how there has been an influx of stories that are either biopics or stories from small towns. He said, ‘I have done the same. I didn’t make many paths. I just followed the trend. This is what happens in English cinema. We sometimes lose the courage to stick to our faith.
Karan Johar further said that the South Indian film industry has been following a different path of making films for the past few years. He was impressed by the box office collection of SS Rajamouli’s film ‘RRR’ which released across the country. He described Rajamouli as the ‘greatest Indian filmmaker’. On the craze behind Allu Arjun starrer ‘Pushpa’ and its huge success in the English-speaking belt, Johar said people are listening and dancing to Telugu songs from the film today. He believes that the main reason behind the enthusiasm for South films is the digital explosion. He said, “The English film industry is getting inspired by the film industry of the south, what is happening in Hollywood and what is happening digitally.”
The film director said that the South film industry has created its charisma because of its content and its way of showing films. On becoming a star and being a superstar, Karan believes that “it is an artist’s era and we are no longer living in the era of superstars”, especially in English cinema. Meanwhile, when asked how he sees the criticism of Bollywood on social media with some hashtags pointing to Hate Bollywood, Ban Bollywood and them, Johar said that he was initially impressed by it. But later noticed the love and support received from a large section of the people. He said, ‘Emotionally two years ago it was a very difficult time for me and my family.’
Nationalism needs a ‘villain’, not patriotism: Kabir Khan
Film director Kabir Khan on Saturday said there is a difference between patriotism and nationalism in cinema as he believes that showing patriotism does not require opposing views. The director, who has been lauded for films like “Kabul Express”, “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” and “83”, says his film is a reflection of his own personality and every subject has its own demands. He said, ‘Every film, the producer should have his own reflection (in the films they make). We sometimes show tricolor in the film, but today there is a difference between patriotism and nationalism. He said, ‘For nationalism, sometimes we need an opposing view or ‘villain’. However, you don’t need any such thing to be patriotism. Patriotism is true love for one’s country and you don’t need any opposing views. And that was my effort through (film 83). ,
About his film ’83’, Khan said that he tried to show patriotism in it. The film is based on the 1983 Indian cricket team becoming world champion under the captaincy of Kapil Dev. Asked how he would like to react to a section of the society being advised to go to Pakistan, Khan said that he feels bad but believes that all this is happening because of social media, which has made people aware of anyone. He has also been given a free hand to say anything.