Vinay Pathak has voiced his opinions on the increasing trend of politicizing films, expressing his disapproval of those who criticize movies without even watching them. The actor believes that people are too quick to judge and condemn films based on political agendas rather than focusing on the content itself.
Pathak, known for his roles in both mainstream and independent cinema, including films like "Bheja Fry" and "Khosla Ka Ghosla", doesn't hold back when sharing his views on political controversies surrounding films. He argues that "If you don't like it, you don't go". He finds the act of politicizing films "morbid" and believes that most critics haven't even seen the films they are criticizing. He considers this a "bad practice".
He cited his own film "Phule," a biopic on Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, as an example. The film faced initial hurdles with the CBFC due to alleged caste references and experienced unnecessary controversy before its release. Pathak pointed out that despite the initial uproar, audiences appreciated the film upon its release, proving that good content and storytelling ultimately prevail.
Pathak feels he has learned to navigate digital controversies and online trolls. He recognizes that negativity and criticism have always existed, even before the age of the internet. He says he takes everything with a pinch of salt. Instead of getting emotional, Pathak chooses to be intelligent about it, understanding that some people simply won't like his work, and that's perfectly acceptable. He even acknowledges the possibility that some online detractors are simply bots.
Pathak's perspective highlights a growing concern within the film industry about the impact of political polarization on creative expression. The actor suggests that audiences should exercise their right to choose what they watch instead of actively trying to sabotage films based on political disagreements. He underscores the importance of allowing films to be judged on their artistic merit and storytelling quality.
He also recognizes the struggles that independent cinema faces in India. Despite the talk of blurring lines between mainstream and indie films, independent cinema is still trying to find its footing. These films often get limited release and are quickly removed from theaters due to lack of screen space. Pathak believes that while mainstream cinema will continue to dominate, there should be more support and visibility for indie films, similar to the system in Hollywood.
