Paatal Lok maker Sudip Sharma is basking in the acclaim for the second season of the show, which released on Prime Video last week to highly positive reviews. In a recent interview with OTTplay, Sudip shared his concerns on the portrayal of violence in mainstream cinema in India. He said that the violence shown on screen often has "no consequences," and this trend is deeply troubling.
During the interview, Sudip opened up about the impact of violence in films and discussed the need for more thoughtful representation. He stated, "Somewhere down the line, violence has become an end in itself in the larger mainstream (cinema). Which disturbs me. Which honestly bothers me. If there are no consequences to the violence you see on screen, then it’s problematic." He emphasized that violence, especially in real life, is not without lasting effects, and its representation should not be taken lightly. "Violence in real life takes a toll. A roadside fight between two people will affect you if you watch it even for 30 seconds. It’s the very idea that one person can harm another that leaves an impact."
Sudip, who grew up in Assam in the 80s and 90s, reflected on his personal experiences with violence. He shared, "Growing up, I saw violence very up close—not because I was a violent kid, but because I grew up in a difficult time and place. I lived in Assam in the 80s and 90s and witnessed the consequences of violence firsthand."
The director pointed out how audiences have become increasingly desensitized to violence in films, particularly when it is depicted without consequences. Without naming specific movies, Sudip criticized the portrayal of characters who commit mass violence without facing any repercussions. He noted, "In recent times, we’ve become desensitized because there’s so much violence in films with no consequences. One man enters a hotel with a gun and kills 150 people, and no one asks where the police are. Why is no one talking about this? Why are we glorifying this man as a hero? Why aren’t we questioning the morality of his actions? That, to me, is problematic."
Sudip's remarks reflect a growing concern about the ethical responsibility of filmmakers in shaping public perception of violence. He advocates for more nuanced portrayals that acknowledge the real-world consequences of harmful actions. Paatal Lok season 2, which continues to be celebrated for its gritty storytelling, offers a counterpoint to the kind of violence Sudip critiques. The show, which stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Gul Panag, Tillotama Shome, Nagesh Kukunoor, and Jahnu Barua, has been praised for its grounded and realistic approach to complex themes.
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