During a recent event in Mumbai, filmmaker Zoya Akhtar and her father, Javed Akhtar, engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on censorship in cinema. Zoya, known for her bold and contemporary storytelling, addressed the issue of censorship, particularly in the portrayal of physical intimacy on screen. Reflecting on her experiences growing up, Zoya highlighted the paradox in cinematic censorship, where scenes of violence against women, including harassment and assault, were commonly shown, yet depictions of consensual intimacy, such as a kiss, were often deemed inappropriate.
Zoya Akhtar On Cinema’s Hypocrisy
Zoya emphasized the importance of showing consensual intimacy in films, arguing that love, tenderness, and physical connection between adults are natural human relationships that should not be censored. She challenged the notion that censoring such scenes leads to better art, asserting that artistic expression should not be limited by outdated standards. However, Zoya acknowledged the concerns of the absence of censorship, particularly the potential for an unrestrained approach to depicting intimacy. She stressed that the portrayal of intimacy should always be guided by the filmmaker’s artistic vision and the film’s tone. Drawing comparisons between different cinematic styles, she noted how violence in films can vary in intensity and impact depending on the director’s intent, using examples from Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay and Quentin Tarantino’s films.
Zoya also highlighted the cultural differences in how various regions portray intimacy, pointing out that some cultures, like the French, are more comfortable with nudity than others, such as Americans. This cultural perspective, she explained, influences how filmmakers approach intimate scenes in their work.
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Echoing Zoya’s sentiments, Javed Akhtar added that the intention behind a scene is crucial. He distinguished between scenes designed to evoke genuine emotions and those meant to titillate, emphasizing that the context and purpose behind the portrayal of intimacy or language are what truly matter. This nuanced discussion between the Akhtars underscored the complexities of censorship in cinema and the importance of creative freedom in storytelling.