Current historicals are couched in fictionalised jingoism: Amitabh Bachchan
Kolkata (PTI): Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, while tracing the history of Indian cinema, on Thursday described the current brand of period films as "couched in fictionalised jingoism".
Bachchan, in his speech at the 28th Kolkata International Film Festival which he declared open, pointed out that the Indian film industry has always propagated courage and managed to keep an egalitarian spirit alive.
"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...to the current brand of historicals, couched in fictionalised jingoism, along with moral policing," the octogenarian superstar of Indian cinema said.
He added, "The range has kept audiences reflecting on the politics and social concerns" of the times.
The actor also pointed out that even now "questions are being raised on civil liberties and freedom" by Indian cinema.
The superstar also spoke of 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.
The movie 'Ganashatru' highlights the struggle between religious superstition and medieval prejudices in a doctor's fight against an epidemic.
Bachchan also thanked the 'City of Joy' for giving him his first job and for giving his wife Jaya 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.
"Ritwik Ghatak's birth centenary is in 2025. His films dealt with the ruthless social realities after partition of the country," he said.
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhat, in his address, read out a poem of Tagore underscoring India's inclusiveness amid diversity.
"Story-tellers' work entails bringing together polarised hearts. Mamata Ji has done that by organising such a festival," he said.
Veteran Bollywood actor and TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha said KIFF has brought film festivals to reach of general public.
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Heavy rains: Holiday declared for schools, PU colleges in Uttara Kannada, Kodagu on August 19
Karwar/Madikeri: In view of heavy rains, the Deputy Commissioner's of Uttara Kannada and Kodagu have declared a holiday for all schools and pre-university colleges on Tuesday, August 19.
Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya, in an order issued on Monday, announced that Anganwadi centers, government schools, aided institutions, private schools, and PU colleges in Karwar, Ankola, Kumta, Honnavar, Bhatkal, Sirsi, Siddapur, Yellapur, Joida, Dandeli, and Haliyal will remain closed to ensure the safety of students.
Similarly, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja declared a holiday for all Anganwadi centers, primary and high schools, and PU colleges across Kodagu district. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Kodagu, warning of heavy rains accompanied by strong winds on Tuesday.
The IMD has also issued an red alert for Uttara Kannada district on Tuesday.
