Why do we watch films?
Some of us watch to get entertained, others to get informed. Some watch to pass time, others to spend time with family and friends.
As Indians, we have always been passionate about films, especially in the South, where heroes are demi-gods with massive fan followings. A lot of this has to do with the history of cinema (around the 50s and 60s) and the influence it had from the political movements of those days. The movements ended, but the pattern remained.
I’ve personally found the superstars from the South more approachable and humble, they don’t take their fans for granted. But that is a topic for another day.
Back to films, they influence most of our lives, be in through the medium itself or its auxiliaries like starts on social media and selling soap. But film is a powerful medium, and with great power comes great responsibility.
People tend to be visual, and so learn better, absorb better when they see it rather than when they read it. They also are able to relate better when it is played out in front of them, rather than read out to them. And so what you convey on film, especially the good messages, tend to stick around.
Filmmaking is about freedom of expression. Whatever be your perspective, in a free society, you have a voice and an option to express it.
Even history is relative, since it’s mostly written by the victors, and that is why the Queen is celebrated and Hitler demonized. Would have been different if Germany had won the war, which would have been a bad thing, but again, my point is something else. What is written is not gospel, what is experienced is.
Life is all about uncomfortable truths and being able to recognize them and deal with them. They are not pleasing, but are truths nevertheless. Denying them does not help.
Films bring out emotions. Perspectives. Realities. Lessons. And somewhere, can also serve as closure. You don’t agree with it, does not mean you should not see it. Maybe see it to know the other side of things?
But whatever it is, do not miss the opportunity to watch what really happened, rather than the watered down versions that most history books present.
If you are wondering where this is going, well these are just random thoughts and nothing to do with The Kashmir Files.
See you tomorrow!