Meaningful socio-political cinema giving way to crime and violence, says Rafeeq Ahamed
Poet Rafeeq Ahamed expressed concern that modern cinema is increasingly prioritizing crime and violence over meaningful socio-political narratives. During a film society event, speakers argued that cinema should serve as a tool for humanistic reflection rather than mere entertainment.
Why it matters
The critique reflects a broader cultural debate regarding the role of art in society and the impact of commercialization on cinematic quality.
Poet and lyricist Rafeeq Ahamed on Sunday (July 19, 2026) expressed concern over the declining space for politically and socially engaging cinema, saying films rooted in meaningful narratives were increasingly being replaced by those glorifying crime and violence.
Inaugurating the celebrations marking the 100th screening of Kolazhy Cinema Kottaka, a film society functioning under the Kolazhy Grameena Vayanasala, at the Kerala Sahitya Akademi hall, Mr. Ahamed said cinema had gradually been reduced to a form of entertainment, particularly in multiplexes, with little lasting emotional or intellectual impact on audiences.
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