“Untouchability is a sinful act,” said Periyar.
“Freedom of speech is a fundamental right,” said Babasaheb Ambedkar.
But today, the one field where you find neither of these is the film industry.
1. The Untouchability of Fans
This is the most visible form.
A fan believes:
“No one should speak about my hero.”“Even if it’s the truth, we’ll fight against it.”
“No opinion against my hero will ever be allowed.”
For them, the very idea of a different perspective doesn’t exist.
Even when they know their hero’s film has flaws, they will never let anyone point it out.
In their world:
Positive opinions alone are seen as truth.
Genuine truths, if critical, are dismissed as negativity.
But isn’t it true that not every positive opinion is honest, and not every honest opinion has to sound pleasant?
2. The Untouchability of Intellectuals
You might have noticed how some creators praise world cinema endlessly. But try pointing out a flaw in those films — and you will be immediately sidelined.
You might have noticed how some creators praise world cinema endlessly. But try pointing out a flaw in those films — and you will be immediately sidelined.
There is no space for a counter opinion. Instead, they question you:
“Do you even know what world cinema means?”
“Have you watched Iranian films? Korean? Italian?”
And the list goes on.
Similarly, some of them treat certain Tamil directors as if they are infallible. Any criticism is forbidden, as though these filmmakers are above mistakes.
When Will Change Come?
The day a fan accepts the flaws in their hero’s films,
and the day a creator acknowledges flaws in the world cinema or directors they worship —
that will be the day the film industry truly sees a renaissance.
The day a fan accepts the flaws in their hero’s films,
and the day a creator acknowledges flaws in the world cinema or directors they worship —
that will be the day the film industry truly sees a renaissance.
