Kannada Star Yash’s much awaited film ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups’ was released on the big screens on August 26 and received mixed reactions from viewers. Amid the criticism, K Annamalai an IPS officer and a political figure in Tamil Nadu, has criticised the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over the way violent and misogynistic content is being shown in Indian cinema.
Annamalai reacts to ‘Toxic’
In a post shared by IANS, speaking at an event in Coimbatore, Annamalai referred to ‘Toxic’ while talking about the need for stricter certification rules.He said, “There is a need for stricter enforcement of standards for certification of Indian films, particularly when movies have graphic violence, disturbing imagery and misogynistic themes.”
Annamalai raises concern over violence.
Annamalai believes that audiences are being exposed to more extreme violence and scenes that objectify women in age-restricted films.However, he shared that he was not asking for films to be banned. Instead, he wants the CBFC to properly follow its certification rules.He also said the board should not consider the popularity or stardom of an actor while certifying a film.Loosely translated in English he said, “Some films must be thoroughly censored. I have never said a film should be banned, but they must be properly censored. Who can watch and who cannot must be strictly enforced in theaters.”
Talks about children watching A-rated films
Annamalai also spoke about the need to follow age restrictions more strictly in single-screen theatres.He urged cinema owners to make sure that children are not allowed to watch films with an ‘A’ certificate. He said regular exposure to graphic violence and negative ideas about relationships could have a bad effect on young viewers.He said, “Even when censor ratings are given, many theaters do not enforce them; they let everyone in. Only the theaters located inside malls seem to be afraid and comply. Therefore, this is my sincere request to theater owners. Some films today have begun to corrupt the student community. You must follow the censor ratings appropriately. Likewise, even if a major star is acting in a film, the censor board must objectively decide which scenes are permitted and which are not.”
Questions portrayal of women
Annamalai also spoke against films that show women as objects or use misogynistic ideas for entertainment. “Normalising such representations can affect how audiences perceive gender relations,” he told the media.He also questioned films where men are shown having relationships with several women and said such behaviour should not be presented as something desirable.Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the gangster action thriller has received mixed to negative reactions from some sections of the audience. The film has also sparked conversations about masculinity, violence and the portrayal of women.The film also features Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth and Tara Sutaria in important roles.
