In a recent interview with Film Companion, renowned filmmaker Kiran Rao expressed her concern over the success of films that convey what she describes as 'regressive messaging.' Rao, who is currently at the Toronto Film Festival with her latest film, "Laapataa Ladies," shared her thoughts on the responsibility of filmmakers to influence societal narratives positively.
While Kiran Rao did not explicitly name any specific films or filmmakers, she discussed the evolving landscape of cinema and the increased competition for audience attention. She acknowledged that many filmmakers begin their projects with good intentions, but the changing market dynamics can sometimes lead to the popularity of films that convey regressive messages.
"It hurts," Rao said, referring to the success of such films at the box office. She emphasized the missed opportunity for filmmakers to "push the needle" and contribute to societal discourse in a more progressive manner. Rao's concern stems from the belief that cinema has the potential to impact society and shape conversations.
She added that while every filmmaker has their own goals and artistic choices, it would be beneficial if big-budget films, which often earn substantial revenues and have a wide-reaching audience, also played a role in promoting positive values and breaking down regressive stereotypes.
Rao's comments come in the wake of recent box office successes like "The Kashmir Files," "The Kerala Story," and "Gadar 2," which have faced criticism for their messaging from certain sections of society. These films achieved significant commercial success but were divisive in terms of their content.
Kiran Rao's "Laapataa Ladies," set in rural India in 2001, explores a lighthearted yet thought-provoking narrative about two young brides who go missing from a train. The film features an ensemble cast, including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam, and Ravi Kishan.
"Laapataa Ladies" is produced by Aamir Khan's production banner, Aamir Khan Productions, along with Kiran Rao's Kindling Productions. The screenplay and dialogues are penned by Sneha Desai, with additional dialogues contributed by Divyanidhi Sharma. The film is scheduled for release on January 5, 2024.
Kiran Rao's candid remarks highlight the ongoing debate within the film industry about the impact of cinema on society and the responsibility of filmmakers in shaping the narratives that reach millions of viewers. Her hope is for more films to use their success to contribute positively to societal conversations and challenge regressive ideas.
