Among the most imitated art forms, cinema occupies the foremost position. Films, irrespective of language, have a profound influence on viewers. Compared to other art forms, the adoration that actors receive from audiences, the vast platforms cinema commands, and the opportunity to employ cutting-edge technology all contribute to cinema’s heightened capacity for imitation. Youth are often eager to recite popular dialogues from films or rush to take selfies upon spotting an actor or actress.
While people recognize film stars with ease, they may not even recognize key figures in the government, including ministers — particularly the youth. If an actor, a political leader, and an industrialist walk together, who would people rush toward first? The answer is clear — the film star. This clearly demonstrates the extent of influence movie stars have on young people. It becomes evident, therefore, that cinema can wield significant influence over society, especially among youth.
Numerous films with powerful messages have been released in various languages. The Passion of the Christ, Gandhi, and others serve as examples. There are even individuals who embraced Christianity after watching The Passion of the Christ. In Kerala, people were inspired to financially support and show love to orphanages after watching the Malayalam film Akashadoothu. However, it must be said that some of today’s films, in one way or another, convey misleading or harmful messages to the public.
There is no doubt that films filled with intense violence or those that misrepresent patriotism can have a negative impact on society. Young people who adopt rebellion as a fashion statement are often fans of such violent films. Excited by commercially-driven trailers released in advance, they throng theatres on the day of the film’s release, turning them into festive grounds. Then come social media posts and buzz, offering free publicity to the films. The messages these types of films send to society — especially to a youth generation eager to imitate anything — can be extremely damaging!
People watch films for mental relaxation. But if, after watching, they experience mental distress and discomfort, doesn’t that mean the film has failed — even if it was a financial success — both artistically and ethically? That is why filmmakers and their teams must be fully aware of the direct and indirect impact their creations might have on society. Studies show that from a young age, what children see and hear through artistic expressions influences their brains, intellect, and minds — and these influences persist into adulthood.
The individuals whom young people consider their idols mostly come from the film industry. People even try to imitate their clothing and hairstyles. When a new movie is released, shops often display clothes matching those worn by the actor or actress in the film. This trend, which began in the days of actor Jayan, continues to this day.
It has now become a common occurrence for people to commit various crimes imitating certain film characters. Many news stories remind us of this. The most painful reality is that a generation constantly exposed to images of evil becomes desensitized to them. Still, cinema can positively influence the intellect and ideas of youth. When melodious songs are sung, viewers join in, dance, and cheer enthusiastically. In short, since cinema continues to be an integral part of society, there’s no doubt that it significantly affects people’s lives.
The art that emerges in the coming times should contribute to the preservation of families, faith, and society. Let the film world create numerous movies, songs, and art that do not tarnish religion, society, or the nation. To achieve this, it is essential in this era to identify and utilize individuals in the arts who possess both moral values and artistic talent.
Lisi K. Fernandes
