DOTW:Continuous protests to ban movies!!

Hello everyone!

(Getting right to the discussion!)

When directors and producers come up with movies which are not the regular father-son relationship, the childhood friend's story, the regular love, action, fighting…and comedy…the audience doesn't always respond in a positive way.

When the movie 'Girlfriend' came out, there were protests against the screening of the Bollywood film on lesbianism (a big deal was made.) And now…Nishabd. It's about an old man (around his 60's) falling in love with a young girl, as we all know. There has been protests going on against this film too, and some audience (myself included) don't approve of the storyline of this movie.

Now, lets talk about WHY. WHY is all this been made a big issue. Why are producers and directors 'shot down' when they use their creative minds to make a new storyline, that hasn't been 'tried' before? Is this actually creativity in your view?

The # 1 reasons why most protestors, protest…is because they believe that it is AGAINTS the society they grew up in and basically their overall cultural believes.

Lets get to some discussion questions.

1.) Why do you think producers and directors try, and come up with these types of movies, when most of them should very well know, not that many people will approve of it.

2.) Do you think its right to protest to put a ban on a movie just because people believe what the movie shows is against society?

3.) Movies about lesbianism for example, have been done in Hollywood, and there haven't been protests. Why is that? Why is it that 'we' protest against so many movies while 'other people' just sit back. Is it really because of our cultural believes…or do we want to hide away from the truth?

4.) From all the movies you've watched…was there a movie whose message you disagreed with. Like say, for example… KANK. How many here, disagreed with what the movie was showing. How many here disagreed with the question they raised…which was 'What happens if you find your true love after you get married?'

5.) If all these protests are going to continue to happen, should our Bollywood industry just stick to what we know? Just stick to …the regular love, action, fighting…and comedy?

6.) Any final comments on our discussion? Anything you want to say about movies like these?

Do take part in the discussion, but please try to avoid posting comments which you KNOW might offend others! Please respect other members views, and if any attacks do come up, PM A MOD. We are not starting this topic, to 'make fun' of a certain type of people, or anything like this...it's just a discussion, so please..lets be mature people, and just treat it like one.

Thank you, 😊

Khushi,J., Manjot, Preity*Zinta, Bollywood_mad & dazzlingdesi and myself.

I don't know how well I can state my view with answering the ques properly (even tho I made them LOLZ).. so before I try answering them, I think I'll just generally talk about the issue.

Okay, so I UNDERSTAND why people protest against movies like this. I UNDERSTAND, why this is against some cultures, but can't we all be mature and treat a movie, as a movie? I mean, yes...I don't like the storyline of Nishabd..but im not gonna go protest against it. I don't like it, so I won't watch it. That's it. I knw some people protest, because they don't want 'anyone' watching it.. they want movies like these to go out of the Bollywood Industry..but I mean.. stuff like this happens. Producers, just don't grab stuff like this from a cloud...lesbianism (for example) does exists. So why shadow the truth? You don't like the story? Fine. Then just don't watch the movie...

1.) Why do you think producers and directors try, and come up with these types of movies, when most of them should very well know, not that many people will approve of it.

I guess, maybe they want to take some type of risk. I guess they want to try something diff.

2.) Do you think its right to protest to put a ban on a movie just because people believe what the movie shows is against society?

No doubt, the producer and the people behind the movie would have probably put a lot of work behind the movie..but im not sure.. if it's right or not. I dunno. I just don't think it's cool, how all the effort of everyone behind the movie goes to waste if it's banned.

3.) Movies about lesbianism for example, have been done in Hollywood, and there haven't been protests. Why is that? Why is it that 'we' protest against so many movies while 'other people' just sit back. Is it really because of our cultural believes…or do we want to hide away from the truth?

I just think in Western Countries, it's more accepted, ESP in Canada. I don't think it's because we side away from the truth.. ..but I just think.. we don't like to encourage the 'truth.' We keep it shadowed.

4.) From all the movies you've watched…was there a movie whose message you disagreed with. Like say, for example… KANK. How many here, disagreed with what the movie was showing. How many here disagreed with the question they raised…which was 'What happens if you find your true love after you get married?'

The ques they raised made me think for a while. Now, bout the movie...I wasn't a fan, but ...I didn't hate the movie, either.

5.) If all these protests are going to continue to happen, should our Bollywood industry just stick to what we know? Just stick to …the regular love, action, fighting…and comedy?

I know there are some people, who would really like the Bollywood Industry to stick to movies only based on action.. regular love stories...etc..etc..but I don't think it's going to happen. Like it or not, I think the Bollywood Industry has a lot more movies like these to see! (about me, to some extent, I would like producers, and directors to experiment with their story lines, but ...I would also like them to stay in a 'limit.')

1.) Why do you think producers and directors try, and come up with these types of movies, when most of them should very well know, not that many people will approve of it.

~I think the producers and directors try to make an attempt to make bollywood reach newer heights and explore different geners and subjects.


2.) Do you think its right to protest to put a ban on a movie just because people believe what the movie shows is against society?

~I think iys immature to try to ban a movie, if you dont want to see it then don't see it....don't use a movie or its subject to get urself free publicity



3.) Movies about lesbianism for example, have been done in Hollywood, and there haven't been protests. Why is that? Why is it that 'we' protest against so many movies while 'other people' just sit back. Is it really because of our cultural believes…or do we want to hide away from the truth?

~India is a very conservitive country and despite them being aware of gays and lesbeians, they don't want to accept them in society, where as in Hollywood its not a big deal to make movies on gays and lesbeans, because ppl accecpt them and give value to their decisions


4.) From all the movies you've watched…was there a movie whose message you disagreed with. Like say, for example… KANK. How many here, disagreed with what the movie was showing. How many here disagreed with the question they raised…which was 'What happens if you find your true love after you get married?'

~ I completely disliked KANK...the story didnt make sense...I agree that its subject is try and extra marital affairs do happen, but there is always a good reason

But what was the reason to have an extra marital affair in KANK....Rani couldnt become a mother and SRK had become an handicap, but despite their spouses giving them full support, Rani and SRK never took their support in a positive spirit, which i think was their fault

It would only made sense if Priety or Abhi treated their spouses with disrespect or mocked their short-comings, but none of that happened...so there was no reason for SRK and Rani to be togather..

So KANK was definitly my #1 most disliked movie of 2006



5.) If all these protests are going to continue to happen, should our Bollywood industry just stick to what we know? Just stick to …the regular love, action, fighting…and comedy?

~ Ya, if we dont accept other geners then we'll have to see the same rhona-dhona movies, or the lovey-dovey romance or just the same comical movies...I was really glad when Rakesh Roshan took bollywood to a new level with a sci-fi movie such as Koi Mil Gaya which was expected greatly..


6.) Any final comments on our discussion? Anything you want to say about movies like these?

~Great discussion, and I seriously hope India could open up more and accept movies that show the "reality" of life

~Rashi~

1.) Why do you think producers and directors try, and come up with these types of movies, when most of them should very well know, not that many people will approve of it.
They want viewers to be aware of the truth
2.) Do you think its right to protest to put a ban on a movie just because people believe what the movie shows is against society?

yea maybe they thought that it's a bad example ...as we all know ppl r soft to adapt -veness easily
3.) Movies about lesbianism for example, have been done in Hollywood, and there haven't been protests. Why is that? Why is it that 'we' protest against so many movies while 'other people' just sit back. Is it really because of our cultural believes…or do we want to hide away from the truth?
Most likely i thought we want to hide from the truth
4.) From all the movies you've watched…was there a movie whose message you disagreed with. Like say, for example… KANK. How many here, disagreed with what the movie was showing. How many here disagreed with the question they raised…which was 'What happens if you find your true love after you get married?'
i agree with KANK bcoz it shows the reality n we must take lesson from it
5.) If all these protests are going to continue to happen, should our Bollywood industry just stick to what we know? Just stick to …the regular love, action, fighting…and comedy?

I think yes it shud be or else there will be hangama ....if we want change, 1st hve to educate ppl
6.) Any final comments on our discussion? Anything you want to say about movies like these?

Nice dicussion ..thnks as i hve already 1st we hve to educate through the media n school ...but dont think that these types of movies will stop ,we like it or not , its shows the reality n i am sure little by little the generation will accept it...thnks

Interesting topic, Megs!

1.) Why do you think producers and directors try, and come up with these types of movies, when most of them should very well know, not that many people will approve of it.

Well, many directors/producers believe in conveying a message and not necessarily just make an entertainment movie which obviously in on their minds too. I guess some of them get too entangled by a story and can't resist making a movie out of it.

2.) Do you think its right to protest to put a ban on a movie just because people believe what the movie shows is against society?

Well, if the people are against it, they are not going to watch it so ban or no ban it doesn't matter. Although I think these days it is more used a show of power. I personally wouldn't ban any movie. Movies are movies and ought to be treated that way only. If you don't agree with it, don't watch it or dislike it but let the person convey their point at least.

3.) Movies about lesbianism for example, have been done in Hollywood, and there haven't been protests. Why is that? Why is it that 'we' protest against so many movies while 'other people' just sit back. Is it really because of our cultural believes…or do we want to hide away from the truth?

A little bit of both but remember that movies on such subjects weren't highly embraced even in America a few years ago. I guess people learn overtime and also Asian and American cultures are somewhat different.. One thing acceptable in one is not in other. But new ideas should always be welcomed whether or not you agree with them is still your own choice.

4.) From all the movies you've watched…was there a movie whose message you disagreed with. Like say, for example… KANK. How many here, disagreed with what the movie was showing. How many here disagreed with the question they raised…which was 'What happens if you find your true love after you get married?'

I totally disagreed with KANK's theme. I know it's the truth that people do have extra marital affairs but I personally am totally against it. You know I am not too mad at Maya's character but Dev's I was so mad at! How could he be so selfish and leave behind his little kid who doesn't even know the meaning of deception yet? How can he be so mean to his lovely wife and child when he is all so romantic with Maya? Same goes for Maya. How can she be so mean to Rishi who loved her so much? When you are single, then you can take any decision you want but when you have a family, family goes first.

5.) If all these protests are going to continue to happen, should our Bollywood industry just stick to what we know? Just stick to …the regular love, action, fighting…and comedy?

Well, attempts can always be made. If people just stop and accept it then nothing new will be made. I think the more new movies are made on different subjects, the better it is and probably eventually the audience will try to accept it.

6.) Any final comments on our discussion? Anything you want to say about movies like these?

Well, I certainly have my own views on these movies and to some extent I disagree with them also but I won't go as to ban them. The director/writer are freely entitled to their opinions as much as I am!

very nice topic u guys...well...here are my two cents...

1.) Why do you think producers and directors try, and come up with these types of movies, when most of them should very well know, not that many people will approve of it.

well for one they need publicity...ramu hasnt got a hit in so long...ppl have been criticizing him thru and thru..so why not make a controversial movie (even if it is a flop) togain some media lime light!!!

2.) Do you think its right to protest to put a ban on a movie just because people believe what the movie shows is against society?

Its not about being right or wrong. I mean everyone has a right to voice their opinion. Well if you have nothing against the movie just ignore those people and do what you think is right.This ban nonsense has been going on for decades...if one of the politician doesnt agree with movies, lets protest to put a ban on the movie...atleast they will get votes from the conservative indians who think the same!

3.) Movies about lesbianism for example, have been done in Hollywood, and there haven't been protests. Why is that? Why is it that 'we' protest against so many movies while 'other people' just sit back. Is it really because of our cultural believes…or do we want to hide away from the truth?

Answer to both Q's is both. Gay and lesbianism is a very sensitive topic in india and most places of the world. So our cultural beleifs is a big part of the protests there are in India regarding this issure. And im not sure but i think it is banned for gay partners to openly roam around in public making their presence obvious as gays... No one wants to know the thruth abt Indians being gay/les, It is a shame for the so called indian society, if that happens so.

4.) From all the movies you've watched…was there a movie whose message you disagreed with. Like say, for example… KANK. How many here, disagreed with what the movie was showing. How many here disagreed with the question they raised…which was 'What happens if you find your true love after you get married?'

There is no sane man who would agree with the story line. I mean who would say i liked KANK because there is cheating going on in the film. KANK doesnt say cheat on your spouses it is just portraying what some couples go through. The cheating and all goes on in real life. I am not supporting KANK, as a woman i think that no man should cheat on their wives, vice versa. When you are in a relationship as sacred as marriage, you should make it work till the end. ANd What if you find your true love after you get married? Well you shouldnt be looking for your true love while you are married! You should be giving your marriage your best shot and trying to work things out hoping that your spouse is your true love. If it aint working seperate and do what you gotta do but dont cheat while still in a relationship!!!

5.) If all these protests are going to continue to happen, should our Bollywood industry just stick to what we know? Just stick to …the regular love, action, fighting…and comedy?

No never. Bollywood should not stop because of these irrelevant morcha's. They shoudl explore every ascpect of a cinema, every topis, every issue, every story, sky is the limit. If we stuck to this long time ago there will be no difference in our cinema. All the movies will be too monotonous and there will be no fun. You will know what to expect out of each movie!!!

6.) Any final comments on our discussion? Anything you want to say about movies like these?

Just let those movies be. If you dont like them, dont watch it. I have no problems with such movies. I watch them as pure entertainment. If i dont agree with such movies, i voice my opinion among friends and may be some forums and thats it. If my views dont agree with a story line, that movie will not be in my "must watch movie list"!!

WEll guys my answers are based solely on my views and my perceptions. I mean no harm or to attack anyone. Everyone has their views and i respect that. 😉

It was fun answering these questions...😊

1.) Why do you think producers and directors try, and come up with these types of movies, when most of them should very well know, not that many people will approve of it.

Well...They can answer this better😉...but IT DIFFERS. You see there are some ppl like K Jo who makes films for NRIs and includes Big stars but if he tackles unconventional themes, he fails to handle it sensitively and maturely. There are others like RGV for example in his latest release---we all know he makes films for himself---I mean he doesnt care what the audience thinks thats evident when he says I have made a film its left to the masses whether they like it or not---He and some others do so for self satisfaction and maybe who knows they dont like making the typical B'wood hungama.

2.) Do you think its right to protest to put a ban on a movie just because people believe what the movie shows is against society?

If it is anything that affects the society in an adverse way, then I wont disagree---But that doesnt mean u go banning all unconventional movies. Provided that they are approved by a proper censor board and even though they do show certain amount of social facts, I dont think people should get hyper---especially if big stars do unconventional cinema, ppl get mad and call them shameless and stuff which is in fact what is shameless.

3.) Movies about lesbianism for example, have been done in Hollywood, and there haven't been protests. Why is that? Why is it that 'we' protest against so many movies while 'other people' just sit back. Is it really because of our cultural believes…or do we want to hide away from the truth?

Because 'we' are content with etetainement escapist cnema. And it shows the hollowness of a huge number of people.

Many ppl who saw the new film 'Nishabd' said---this will never happen an stuff. and just a day ago...some 50+ Professor (already married and domesticated) in Pune married his student( who happens to be his daughter's friend)! This may seem unbelievable but see it really happened---so such things do happen and when ppl brave to reflect them in celluloid we must take them in the right sense and understand them.

4.) From all the movies you've watched…was there a movie whose message you disagreed with. Like say, for example… KANK. How many here, disagreed with what the movie was showing. How many here disagreed with the question they raised…which was 'What happens if you find your true love after you get married?'

I dont disagree with KANK's theme---see I love the movies 'Silsila' and 'Arth' which tackled the same theme---But they were done maturely and sensibly---KANK was a brave attemp gone completely wrong---There was no justification in what the lead protagonist of the film felt for each other---"I like blue...I like blue"...It was a test of our patience and intelligence. There was no logic in the film. Why did SRK and Maya fall for one another. What exactly was wrong with Rishi according to Maya. And what was the importance of the character 'Sam' in the STORY(Repeat 'story'...in the film he is coz u cant sit thru it without him!😆) Did K Jo include him just to fit AB into the film??? Where in the world did Dev's love for Rhea disappear (as theirs was a love marriage), how did a starnger Dev influence Maya that comepelled her to her marriage???...One could go o and on abt the non-sense in this film. No offence---But any sane person will understand this.

5.) If all these protests are going to continue to happen, should our Bollywood industry just stick to what we know? Just stick to …the regular love, action, fighting…and comedy?

No...maybe such movies today are preparing an audience for successful unconventional movies in the future. We need such films and hopefully some sensible directors will do it.

6.) Any final comments on our discussion? Anything you want to say about movies like these?

Such movies provided that they are handled well should be appreciated. We must encourage such films and not write them off. Only ppl who rnot guided by the B.O brave to do this---Hats off to them.