Javed Akhtar Critiques Film Censorship Double Standards

Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar recently condemned the double standards in India’s film censorship while speaking at the Anantrang Mental Health Cultural Festival in Mumbai on Friday. He stressed that films depicting societal realities often encounter hurdles, whereas those laden with vulgarity and regressive values slip through the regulatory net.

Akhtar expressed his firm belief that audience choices significantly influence which films achieve success. He said, “In this country, vulgarity will still be passed by the film boards. They don’t realise that these are wrong values — a male chauvinistic view that humiliates women. But what will not be passed is something that shows the mirror to society.”

This notable statement underlines his ongoing concern regarding the moral and ethical standards in the film industry. He maintained that films serve as reflections of society, implying they cannot be held solely accountable for societal issues. “A film is a window into society through which you peek. Closing the window will not fix what is happening outside,” he remarked.

Hyper-Masculinity and its Impact

Akhtar also discussed the detrimental effects of hyper-masculine portrayals in cinema, particularly on mental health. He called attention to how such films gain traction due to societal acceptance. “It is because of the mental health of men that such films are being made. If men’s mental health improves, such films won’t be made — and even if they are, they won’t work,” he explained.

He equated the audience’s influence in the film industry to faith, declaring, “In show business, the audience is god. A bad audience makes a bad film successful.” This statement serves as a clarion call for audiences to reconsider the films they support.

Declining Taste in Music

Addressing the issues related to music in films, Akhtar lamented the surge of vulgar and suggestive songs. He shared how he consistently shied away from such work throughout his career. Reflecting on the 1980s, he noted, “During the 80s, many songs had double meanings, but I refused to write them. I’m not sad that people recorded them — I’m sad that those songs became superhits. That shows it’s the audience that shapes the industry.”

Akhtar referenced the infamous song “Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai,” critically examining how parents take pride in their daughters dancing to such lyrics, highlighting the moral decline in contemporary society. “If these are the values of society, what can you expect from films and songs? Society is responsible — cinema is only a manifestation,” he asserted.

Admiration for ‘Saiyaara’

While Akhtar’s criticisms define much of his discourse, he also took a moment to commend the new film ‘Saiyaara’ directed by Mohit Suri. He praised its calming and soulful music, noting, “The music of Saiyaara has a stillness, an old charm. Today, music has become so frantic that percussion drowns the voice. When something soothing comes, it feels like shade in harsh sunlight.”

Acceptance of Sadness through Art

On a lighter note, when questioned about the impact of sad songs on mental health, Akhtar offered a philosophical perspective. “It’s not good to deny sadness; otherwise, it will resurface elsewhere. Earlier, every film had one or two sad songs, but now they’ve vanished because we believe ‘achhe din aa gaye hain’. This denial of sadness is unhealthy — accept it, cry if you must. That’s what keeps the mind healthy,” he stated with a smile.