'Jaane Tu..Ya Jaane Naa' actor Imran Khan on portraying violence in movies: They make it look ‘cool’ and ‘sexy’ but that makes me uncomfortable

Actor Imran Khan is discomfited by portraying violence in movies.

As fans eagerly anticipate Imran Khan's return to the big screen, the actor has been vocal about his current views on the state of cinema. In a recent interview with an online portal, Imran expressed his discomfort with the way violence is often portrayed in modern films. He pointed out that there is a growing trend to make violence appear glamorous and even sexy, which he finds troubling.

Imran explained, "There's a certain glamorisation, a fetishisation, and sexualisation of violence in movies that makes me uncomfortable. It's not about morality. Yes, violence and action are part of the cinematic language, but it's about how we portray it. We need to feel the weight of violence, understand its impact."

He cited the Hollywood film 'Joker' as an example of violence depicted with the gravitas it deserves. He described a specific scene where the character Joker commits a sudden, brutal act of violence. "It was shattering, brutal, and horrifying. I was shaking after watching that scene because that's what real violence is. If you witness someone being stabbed to death, it's likely to shake you deeply," Imran said.

Imran criticised the trend in many contemporary films where heroes engage in over-the-top violent acts, shooting multiple people to a backdrop of loud music, making the acts seem 'cool' or 'sexy.' "We’ve started making films where heroes just go in and boom, boom, boom, shoot seven people in the head, and their heads explode to music. They make it ‘cool’ and ‘sexy’. That makes me uncomfortable. There’s enough of that. I don’t want to play a character who solves problems with a gun," he stated.

This commentary led to speculation on social media that Imran was specifically critiquing Ranbir Kapoor's recent film 'Animal,' known for its intense action sequences. However, fans and viewers are divided, with some suggesting that Imran's comments could apply to a wide range of films that exhibit similar characteristics.

Adding to his filmography, Imran Khan is, perhaps, best remembered for his role in the 2011 hit film 'Delhi Belly'. This film, directed by Abhinay Deo and produced by Aamir Khan, was a bold departure from typical Bollywood fare, featuring a gritty, comedic narrative that didn't shy away from portraying the messier sides of life. The film was praised for its fast-paced script and dark humour, establishing Imran as a versatile actor capable of handling both comedic and serious roles.

As Imran Khan gears up for his comeback, he remains selective about the roles he chooses, seeking characters that contribute positively to the narrative of cinema and reflect a more thoughtful approach to storytelling, especially when it involves themes like violence. His insistence on portraying violence with the seriousness it deserves reflects his commitment to responsible filmmaking. Fans of the actor are hopeful that his future projects will continue to challenge conventional norms and offer fresh perspectives, much like his memorable performance in 'Delhi Belly.'