Society through the lens of a Camera

Right from our childhood, we are deeply influenced by movies. Mimicking famous dialogues from movies, copying the fashion of the film stars, dancing to the filmy songs, following our favorite actors, etc has been a part of our life. This goes on to show how movies influence and impact us and our society.

In the whole world of arts, cinema and movies are considered as a landmark medium for communication. Throughout the world, cinema is used as a source of communication, entertainment as well as education. Films are a cultural depiction of human society. They are the visual reflection of the rights and wrongs of mankind. They have the power to influence a whole generation and empower and impact them. It has become a vehicle for cultural values and societal norms. Movies tend to reach every nook and corner of the world.

India has always been a great appreciator of the world of cinemas. We tend to thrive and depend on this medium for a source of entertainment and leisure. Indian audiences have a tendency to consider films as only a source of pleasure, with no serious impacts. But, for years, Indian filmmakers have tried and succeeded in creating a social impact on its audience. 

How do these movies create a social impact? These movies are seen in the nook and corner of our country, right from rural areas to metropolitan cities. These films played a huge role in taking about various issues like feminism, discrimination, poverty, education system, human rights, etc. These movies tend to have an aura of believability due to the way they are narrated. Such films aim to address and eradicate social evils in our society.

The visual storytelling form of the cinema helps create a strong impact. We have seen various controversies arise in India due to some content of the films. Even the censor board tends to disrupt the filmmakers. The reason behind this is whenever a film talks of something that does not abide by the norms of society, people tend to feel threatened by it. For example, films like Aligarh, Elements Trilogy faced loads of criticism and backlash due to the depiction of homosexuality in the films, which at the time were considered as a taboo in our society.

Have you heard or watched the movies – Mother India, Damini, Rang de Basanti, Fandry, Padman, Article 15? Mother India tackled various issues like poverty, etc. Damini tackled the issue of women justice in our society. Fandry and Article 15 made bold statements over the existing caste discrimination in India. Movies like Padman created and spread awareness regarding the need for sanitary pads. Do you know what is common in these films? All of these films created a huge difference and made a social statement of their own to show the hidden reality of our society. They worked as a mirror for the society that we live in. 

This just goes on to prove that films have the power to affect and influence the masses of our society. It has always affected and helped bring change in us. It has helped us envision a better reality for our society. Because the issues that these films talk about are the root of the evils in our society which need to eradicated as early as possible. And these films will help us create a better society and country.