Speaking at the Ideas of India Summit, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar shared his perspective on the current trend of divisive films. He acknowledged that his personal political alignment resulted in his sidelining and raised questions about his secularism. The filmmaker is a proud practising Hindu, emphasized that his films consistently promote unity between Hindu and Muslim communities. Despite controversies surrounding content, movies like 'Animal' have challenged industry norms and achieved success. ALSO READ: Mithun Chakraborty Health Update: Veteran Actor Looks Healthy And Fine! Madhur Bhandarkar Meets Him Post Cerebrovascular Stroke – WATCH
Bhandarkar highlighted the hesitancy among actors to endorse politically charged projects, attributing it to the fear of social media backlash and potential repercussions on their careers. Despite this, he asserted that the film industry remains united, accommodating diverse political and non-political leanings. According to the acclaimed director of 'Chandni Bar,' 'Traffic Signal,' 'Page 3,' 'Fashion,' and 'Satta,' some artists are open and vocal about their beliefs, while others choose discretion—a natural aspect of the industry.
Bollywood film producer and director Vipul A Shah, renowned for projects like 'The Kerala Story,' shared insights into the evolving landscape of the Indian entertainment industry. He emphasized that personal political leanings and religious practices should not be misinterpreted as communal, considering them fundamental aspects of individual identity.
Vipul A Shah underscored the importance of supporting films like 'The Kerala Story' for maintaining filmmakers' integrity. Echoing similar sentiments, filmmaker and storyteller Leena Yadav expressed the view that politics inevitably becomes a part of filmmaking. According to her, it's impossible for makers to exclude their political bias, and the lack of genuine dialogue among filmmakers is noticeable. Yadav argued that social media pressure often compels people to take a stance, emphasizing that films, driven by both commerce and sentiment, are increasingly becoming subjects of mainstream and social media discussions.
Let's hope better sense prevails and our film industry elects @narendramodi with a thumping majority.It's time India got a visionary leader.
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) April 16, 2014
The 55-year-old agreed that actors currently worry about facing backlash due to political engagements, impacting their decisions to endorse projects. He noted, "The heightened political awareness among Indians has substantially shaped the content and narratives in our films. Backing projects like 'Kerala Story' holds significance, as it reflects the filmmaker's integrity and underscores the value of diverse voices and narratives."
This trio of accomplished filmmakers expressed their perspectives on 'Anatomy of Art: Are Our Movies Dividing or Uniting Us?' delving into contentious subjects and the pursuit of authenticity in storytelling.
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