Cinema is often described as the mirror of society. This metaphor implies that films reflect the structure and essence of the communities in which they are made. Frequently, cinema explores social life, familial bonds, faith, values, and political-economic issues. Just as we observe ourselves in a mirror, cinema allows us to observe society. However, beyond this reflective quality, cinema also shapes beliefs and values, reinterprets morality, and functions as a powerful medium that exchanges new trends and innovations.
Nothing in cinema is accidental. Every shot and scene is crafted according to a predetermined script. Filmmakers possess the ability to transport audiences into a mesmerizing world that transcends time and space, aligning with their own creative interests. While films have the potential to provide direction to society and convey moral values, they sometimes disseminate misinformation and misleading ideas. Under the guise of progressive thought, certain films promote pseudo-morality, superficial philosophies, and exaggerated notions of freedom. Instead of championing truth, justice, dialogue, and social wellbeing, some films create an alternate reality that stands in opposition to the very moral foundations they ought to uphold. The following sections provide examples of this phenomenon.
When the Dignity of Humanity is Undermined
Human beings, created in the image and likeness of God, are inherently valuable and worthy of respect. Yet, pornography, advertisements that demean womanhood, and videos that promote character assassination convey messages that directly oppose human dignity. These types of films, driven solely by financial profit, reduce the human body to a commodity. They hinder genuine interpersonal relationships grounded in emotional integrity and fidelity within marriage. Moreover, the issues of sexual exploitation, casting couch culture, and gender discrimination within the film industry itself are violations of the sanctity of the human person.
When Violence and Murder Are Glorified
Today’s new-generation films often celebrate crime, murder, robbery, bloodshed, and bombings. These films justify every act of violence committed by the protagonist, driven by a philosophy that the ends justify the means. Such portrayals desensitize audiences, breeding a generation that is emotionally numb, unresponsive, and indifferent. Between the first 59 days of 2025 alone, 70 murders were recorded in Kerala. This rise in crime and the societal factors contributing to it demand critical examination, particularly in light of cinematic influences.
When Post-Truth Thinking Prevails
In an era where repeated lies are accepted as truth, cinema is no exception. Films that distort the truth, misrepresent history, or serve as propaganda for specific political parties or religious groups pose a threat to society. Historical events must be presented based on rigorous investigation and objective facts. However, many films and documentaries prioritize emotional manipulation and fictionalized accounts over factual accuracy. Behind such productions often lies a calculated attempt to stir controversy and thereby draw in more viewers.
When Satanic and Occult Themes Dominate
Films financed by satanic worshippers and anti-church groups are making their way into theaters today. These productions often feature elements such as superstition, atheism, anti-Christian sentiment, demonic symbols, and rituals from obscure sects. Such content suggests that evil forces are dominant in society and that occult practices offer a shortcut to success. These dangerous ideologies have the potential to deeply influence unsuspecting audiences.
When Role Models Disappear
There was a time when films focused on public good, clean politics, family relationships, selfless love, and lives filled with sacrifice. In contrast, today’s films tend to highlight hatred, revenge, narcotics, the underworld, the dark web, smuggling, and mass murders. Superheroes with supernatural powers, artificial intelligence, and even extraterrestrials have become common themes. Meanwhile, the everyday life of the average person—parents, siblings, life partners, and children—rarely finds a place in modern cinematic narratives. The lives of ordinary people, marked by suffering, corruption, and inequality, are often ignored. Children and youth are particularly susceptible to emulating what they see on screen—unfortunately, this often includes criminal acts and violence.
The Promotion and Marketing of Intoxicants
A recent media report noted that heroines now receive more focus than heroes on film sets. In Kerala, there is a growing concern that the film industry is being influenced, if not overtaken, by drug cartels. Numerous individuals associated with cinema have been arrested in connection with drug use and trafficking. These films send a message that narcotics are easily available, widely used, and even beneficial to creativity. By glamorizing and normalizing drug use, cinema contributes to its wider social acceptance.
There was once a generation that saw cinema as more than entertainment—as a way of life, and above all, as a form of art. The films they created were often beloved, with compelling themes and masterful presentations that won the hearts of audiences. Some became blockbusters, running in theaters for up to a year. These works emerged when directors, attuned to public sentiment, presented timely topics with the support of advanced technology.
Today, cinema is predominantly a business. Money is the god. Films driven solely by commercial viability often disregard public good and the dignity of humanity. What we need are films grounded in human values—films that affirm truth, encourage dialogue and debate, and stand for social responsibility and justice.
Rev. Dr. Joseph Parakkal
