In entertainment, the meaning of “animal” is different according to culture. Savage Garden’s popular song in 1999 called “The Animal Song” was all about living without care and embracing one’s natural instincts, including violence, without fear of societal shackles.
Conversely, Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s movie titled “Animal” tells a story of a main character that acts by instinct and embodies the darker aspects of human nature.
However, among the many themes such as father-son relations and revenge, this film has an unapologetic representation of violence toxic masculinity as well as misogyny leading to polarizing discussions.
This content unintentionally glorifies violence while aiming to make audiences empathize with its characters hence raising concerns about mental health effects on viewers.
Rajya Sabha deliberations were sparked off by complaints made by Member of Parliament Ranjeet Ranjan whose daughter was deeply disturbed by the film “Animal”.
Studies have long been conducted worldwide regarding exposure to violent media and how it impacts individuals.
For example, a 2017 report was done by researchers from Iowa State University who published their findings in Pediatrics.
It shows that children exposed to violence tend to be more aggressive later on in life become less sensitive towards acts involving cruelty become less affected emotionally when witnessing someone else suffer also lose their compassion for others.
By doing so these celebrities are normalizing abnormal behavior which they portray on screen thus shaping up people’s thoughts feelings behaviors values accordingly says Dr.Kamna Chhibber Clinical psychologist.
It is not only adults but young minds who are also vulnerable. The role played by celebrities both on screen and behind cameras cannot be understated since they have a lot say when it comes down what is perceived as right wrong behavior among their fans says Dr.Chhibber.
This trend can be seen across languages and regions where over-the-top violence has been disguised as heroism.
However, film historian SMM Ausaja points out that there has been an increase in controversial narratives possibly due to heightened feminist discussions about equality as well.
Nevertheless, the way violence is being depicted as heroic in recent movies like “Animal” or Kabir Singh raised serious questions about ethics surrounding such portrayals prompting critics scrutinize what exactly they are watching.
In light of these concerns, it is primarily up to filmmakers and the censor board to regulate this type of content.
Even though “Animal” was given adult certifications by Indian Censor Board, people still argue that some scenes like women being told what to do and marital rape scenes were included in them.
The responsibility lies with content creators who should be aware of how their creations can impact society by promoting messages based on morality instead of creating something just because it sells well according to Dr.Chhibber.
Nonetheless, audience members should also take into account what they allow themselves particularly children since not all movies are suitable for everyone hence “A” certification acts as guidepost cautioning against explicitness.
People need media literacy skills so as not confuse fiction with reality. There has been an age long debate on whether cinema reflects life or life imitates art now we are divided into groups supporting either side.
This video featuring actor-filmmaker Aamir Khan resurfaced online adding depth to the ongoing conversation.
These words from Khan himself demonstrate how easily emotions such as anger and lust can be provoked by movies thereby proving dangerous effects upon society as a whole.
In conclusion, the representation of violence within films gives rise to necessary conversations regarding its psychological impacts on viewers.
As these debates continue growing stronger day by day there arises need responsible content creation coupled with audience discretion in order avoid any possible harm resulting from glorification violent acts through movie making process