Impact of movies on social media

Movies and Social Media

Movies, short films, web series and plays all play an important role in shaping the society that we live in today. Although plays no longer attract large audiences, the rest, thanks to Internet and malls draw people like moth to fire. The impact  movies and web-series have on people is tremendously increasing and there seems to be no limit for it as well.

Be it the recent movie Kabir Singh or its original predecessor Arjun Reddy, both garnered good critic reviews but were severely accused of glorifying toxic masculinity.

Movie Review

A person who watched Kabir Singh shared his views as follows,

So let me begin from the beginning, I had absolutely no expectations from this film.
The movie centres around the main character Kabir Singh played by Shahid Kapoor and his love life.  The movie was filled with cliche Bollywood scenes. The heroine (Preethi) played by Kiara Advani just randomly falls in love with a senior bully.
In one of the early scenes, Kabir kisses Preethi on the cheek totally out of the blue. A normal girl would probably slap the guy or say something against the man but in this fantasy world the girl is totally fine. Another thing that bothered me was the fact that Kabir continuously consumes drugs, alcohol and tobacco. In certain instances the audience was cheering the actor for indulging in such behavior. For all you know the movie might have inspired some to start drinking. Furthermore, the movie shows a lot of patriarchy and stereotypical ideas about manhood like “mard rote nahin”. As far  as the actors and the portrayal of the characters is concerned, Shahid did a good job. All the emotions were clearly conveyed, however Kiara did not live up to my expectations. Overall the film is a one time watch only. I wouldn’t recommend the movie to anyone.

This is certainly not the first time a movie has showcased misogynistic ideologies. But, credits to the internet and the courage that it has installed in people that give them a chance to voice their opinion without disclosing their identity. While some turn out to be trollers others truly wish to be anonymous and peacefully state their views.

If one searched the internet about Kabir Singh, there would be many reviews that suggest how people are overreacting towards the movie and forgetting that its just a piece of art. But, the impact of cinemas on us Indians doesn’t confine itself to work of fiction, it becomes a basis for people to idolize and obsess on. A message in the end indicating the harmful effects of drugs let alone the effect of patriarchy in the society would’ve helped people garner a better take home message.

While most feminists were outraged, many others even hinted at other movies which glorified women using men for various intentions. But, does that justify the effect Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh and Adithya Varma will have on people?

Possible conclusion

Respecting one another, taking care of one’s own body and speaking up for oneself was definitely sidelined in this movie. Kabir/ Arjun’s disregard for Preethi’s decision, Preethi’s submissive nature which leaves her at a mute position in most parts of her life and Kabir/Arjun’s drug addiction and lack of responsibility- be it the sanctity of his profession or even basic human realisation of the impact of drugs must definitely not be idolized.

Films can show us the harsh reality while some may take you to a fantasy land, it is up to the audience to realise the rights and wrongs. Only when audience treat art as just a forum for expression, only then will movies be less of a problematic issue.