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Movies Have The Power To Influence, Violence Must Be Portrayed Responsibly: Aashiq Abu
The influence of cinema on society is frequently discussed on various platforms. Now, a constant debate rages on social media: Do violent films influence audiences negatively?
In a recent interview with Cue Studio, Mollywood director Aashiq Abu shared his thoughts on the responsibility filmmakers have when it comes to portraying violence on-screen.
He acknowledged that cinema is, without a doubt, a powerful medium that has the ability to influence viewers deeply, both positively and negatively.
“Movies can definitely influence people,” he said, emphasising that filmmakers must be mindful of the content they produce, especially regarding scenes of violence.
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Aashiq Abu elaborated that, as a filmmaker, he believes in taking responsibility when such discussions arise in society.
If his films are criticised for their depiction of violence, he feels it is essential to address the concerns. “If such criticism comes against my films, it should be addressed,” he stated.
Speaking specifically about his recent film Rifle Club, which garnered much attention, he explained the thought process behind its violent sequences.
“In the case of Rifle Club, the shooting scenes were choreographed with the intention of making them feel like a video game,” he said.
The film’s stylised approach to violence was not meant to glorify it but to present it in a way that viewers would recognize as fictional, detaching them from any real-world harm.
Aashiq Abu also offered his personal stance on the matter, suggesting that violence in films must be handled responsibly. “I believe violence should be introduced with some responsibility,” he said.
Aashiq Abu (born 12 April 1978) is a renowned Indian film director, producer, cinematographer, actor, and distributor, predominantly working in Malayalam cinema.
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He has garnered acclaim for his critically acclaimed films, including Daddy Cool (2009), Salt N’ Pepper (2011), 22 Female Kottayam (2012), Idukki Gold (2013), Mayaanadhi (2017), and Virus (2019).
Aashiq Abu is often credited for his successful collaborations with screenwriters Syam Pushkaran and Dileesh Nair.
His recent film, Rifle Club, released in 2024, emerged as a massive superhit, garnering widespread attention.