Amitabh Bachchan comments on ‘civil liberties, moral policing’ at film fest: Current historicals couched in fictionalised jingoism

“Since early times there have been many changes in cinema content. From mythological films and socialist cinema to the advent of the angry young man and the current brand of historicals, couched in fictionalised jingoism, along with moral policing, the range has kept audiences reflecting on the politics and social concerns of the times,” the megastar said.

Amitabh Bachchan also pointed out that even now “questions are being raised on civil liberties and freedom” by Indian cinema.

The actor also spoke about legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, with whom he and his wife had shared a close relationship and pointed out that his 1989 movie Ganashatru (Enemy of the people) was perhaps an indication of how Ray may have reacted to the current times.

Ganashatru highlights the struggle between religious superstition and medieval prejudices in a doctor’s fight against an epidemic.

Bachchan also thanked Kolkata for giving him his first job and for giving his wife Jaya Bachchan her first film Mahanagar (The Big City, 1963) directed by Satyajit Ray. The actor’s first job was at Kolkata-based Bird & Co., a former British-owned firm.

“I salute you all for the artistic temperament that embraces the essence of plurality, that is what makes Bengal so special,” he said. Quoting Rabindranath Tagore, he said Gurudev had penned lines that yearned for a new tomorrow.

Speaking on the evolving audience, he said, “Today’s viewers are exposed to international content. They have many options. This throws new challenges to our entertainment industry. Let us discover more of that. Let us find new summits to conquer.” Bachchan also paid tributes to Bengali film doyens Mrinal Sen and Ritwik Ghatak and recalled how their movies touched upon social realities after Independence.