Uncle Naseeruddin is at it again, making headlines for all the wrong reasons. In a recent interview, he expressed his lament about the audience’s preference for movies like “The Kashmir Files” and “Gadar 2” over films like “Bheed.” According to him, this trend is not just problematic; it’s downright alarming!
During his chat with the Free Press Journal, Uncle Naseeruddin had this to say: “Now the more jingoist you are, the more popular you become because this is what has been ruling this country. It’s not enough to love your country, but you have to beat drums about it and create imaginary enemies. What these people don’t realize is that what they are doing is very harmful.”
But hold on, folks, that’s not all! Uncle Naseeruddin didn’t stop there. He went on to say, “In fact, films like Kerala Story and Gadar 2, I haven’t seen them, but I know what they are about. It’s disturbing that films like Kashmir Files are so massively popular, whereas films made by Sudhir Mishra, Anubhav Sinha, and Hansal Mehta, who are trying to portray the truth of their times, don’t get seen.”
Now, here’s the thing Uncle Naseeruddin might be missing: It’s the content that matters most, not your ideology, not your agenda. Take Hansal Mehta, for example, the same guy he’s vouching for. His web series “Scam 1992” has been praised by both teenagers and oldies alike, regardless of their political leanings.
Also read: Naseeruddin Shah- The Ravish Kumar of the Indian Film industry
In fact, “Afwaah” had all the elements that Naseeruddin might have appreciated. However, the audience was tired of the same old regurgitated themes, so they wholeheartedly embraced “The Kerala Story,” which happened to release on the same day, May 5, 2023.
But then again, let’s not forget that Uncle Naseeruddin Shah can be a bit like WWE’s Undertaker – he emerges from oblivion to give sermons that nobody actually asked for. Just a couple of months ago, in June 2023, he went as far as labeling the success of “The Kerala Story” as ‘a dangerous trend’ that should not be encouraged. These statements raise serious questions about Shah’s understanding of audience preferences and the impact of his words on the film industry as a whole.
Maybe it’s a case of sour grapes? Could it be that “The Kerala Story” told a truth Uncle Naseeruddin didn’t want to come out? It’s essential to recognize that audiences are not swayed solely by patriotism or jingoism. They yearn for stories that resonate with them, stories that reflect their realities and emotions.
“The Kashmir Files” and “Gadar 2” struck a chord with the audience because they tackled historical events that are deeply ingrained in our collective memory. They offered perspectives that resonated with a substantial portion of the population. It’s not about creating imaginary enemies, as Uncle Naseeruddin suggests; it’s about acknowledging and addressing real-life experiences
On the other hand, filmmakers like Sudhir Mishra, Anubhav Sinha, and Hansal Mehta are indeed talented and have crafted thought-provoking narratives. However, their works might not always align with the immediate interests and emotions of the audience. For instance, despite having every element that could make “Afwaah” a blockbuster, it bit dust at the box office. The reason was crystal clear: the audience DID NOT LIKE THE PRODUCT!
Also read: Kamal Haasan and Naseeruddin Shah: The ‘Tubelights’ of Indian Cinema
As for “The Kerala Story,” its success is a testament to its storytelling, not a dangerous trend. Audiences embraced it because it offered something different and spoke to their current concerns. Probably that’s why the quote from ‘Chillar Party’ resonates even today: “We must stand up for what is right, even if it makes others unhappy!”
Uncle Naseeruddin should understand that art and cinema are not confined by political borders or ideologies. They are vehicles for expressing diverse perspectives and emotions. The success of “The Kerala Story” doesn’t undermine the value of other films; it simply showcases the ever-evolving tastes and preferences of audiences.
Instead of lamenting the popularity of certain films, it’s essential to appreciate the diversity of voices and stories that the film industry offers. After all, in the world of cinema, it’s the audience that holds the ultimate verdict, and their preferences are a reflection of the ever-changing cultural landscape. So, let’s celebrate the rich tapestry of films and continue to enjoy the magic of storytelling in all its forms.
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