Tamil Nadu has been excited about the latest movie release of actor Vijay. The expectation, hype and excitement seemed to do more with LCU aka Lokesh (Kanagaraj's) Cinematic Universe. For those who knew nothing about LCU, here is a briefing: Lokesh (the director) in his movie titled "Kaithi" dealt with drugs and a huge drug bust in a metropolitan city of Tamil Nadu and in the climax he hinted audience that it was to be continued. Since then, he has been connecting dots from one movie of his to another and it is one universe (all to do with drugs and gangsters and guns and violence and killings and so on and so forth) where drug busting is the epicentre. That's LCU! Movie lovers, media and the whole public have gone gaga over LCU.
On the other hand, Tamil Nadu government has been directing educational institutions across the state for almost a year now to conduct regular checks on drug abuse and insisting to create awareness among youngsters on (negative) effects of drug (ab)use. It has gone to a level where every school/college is expected to conduct at least one awareness programme per month. The Government of Tamil Nadu calls it to be an initiative towards "drug-free" society. Apparently, it is a welcome move. Yet, it raises doubts and concerns if drugs are already readily available in our society and that has forced to implement such drug awareness programmes.
Looking at the above two scenarios, there is a question - Are movies reflecting the current state of Tamil Nadu as far as drugs are concerned? or Are the movies instigating the flow of drugs in the society by hyping it and confusing the audience in understanding heroes and villains in such drug-based movies? In fact, villains of LCU are loved more by the audience.ЁЯШУЁЯШо A side effect of this whole thing is culture of 'celebrating violence and villainous lead characters.'
Though it is true that any art would reflect what it observes around; it shouldn't turn out to be the other way round for God's sake!! In this case, I am not sure which triggers the other! ЁЯШТ
Reality is beyond what we just can't imagine.
ReplyDeleteIt's a sad fact that these movies are watched by children and they get exposed to information beyond their maturity.
And sadly, youngsters pick role models who don't have the social responsibility, neither do they realise the consequences of what they know.
One instance I would say here in LEO is the intense projection of lead character smoking continuously and aggressively, which will what be inspired than how he is living a smoke free life thereafter. Another instance is the lead character almost killing a large crowd of gangsters in just few minutes in the climax fight. It was literally, to me a w?!*?t?#!#!?f moment.