Don't blame Malayalam cinema for Kerala's poor law and order

When those in power normalise and glorify real-life violence within their own ranks, blaming films for the rising crime rates is a blatant act of hypocrisy

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s criticism of violent films seems like a convenient distraction from the real issue — rising crime among the state’s youth. With brutal incidents involving drug abuse and even family murders on the rise, blaming cinema instead of strengthening law enforcement and preventive measures is nothing but an attempt to evade responsibility.

Films reflect society

Films reflect society, and not necessarily the other way around. When crime exists in society, it naturally finds its way into cinema as well. Moreover, films operate under the stringent regulations set by censorship boards, ensuring that their content adheres to established guidelines. At most, the government may consider revising these conditions, without imposing excessive restrictions on creative freedom.

It is unbecoming of Vijayan to blame movies for promoting violence while shirking his responsibilities and the power he holds to curb crime. His responsibility is twofold. First, he must ensure that the police and excise departments function effectively on the ground to prevent this growing menace. Second, he should push for stricter laws to address the root causes of such crimes.

Awareness alone does little

Unfortunately, the state government seems to channel all its energy into the easiest task — spreading awareness. This overemphasis on awareness reflects not just a lack of strategy but a deeper unwillingness to actively deploy government machinery to tackle the crisis. The real challenge lies in enforcement, stricter regulations, and proactive governance — none of which are being prioritised.

The government should focus its energy on dismantling the entire supply chain that distributes and promotes the use of illicit substances in society. Currently, enforcement agencies often arrest only the end-point sellers while sparing the larger network. The fact that those who seek these substances can easily find them points to a glaring failure in the preventive system.

Complacency and political interference

When drug-related cases are exposed, the government’s response is often riddled with inefficiencies and political interference. Honest officers are transferred mid-investigation, and proper procedures are either neglected or mishandled. This creates ample room for speculation, as was evident in the recent case involving the son of an MLA from Vijayan’s party. Instead of ensuring a fair and transparent crackdown on the drug menace, the government’s actions often indicate a lack of commitment to real enforcement.

In what was dubbed as Kerala’s first cocaine case involving celebrities, the prosecution failed miserably to substantiate its claims in court. Meanwhile, even after several Mollywood film producers openly admitted to rampant drug abuse on film sets, the government has remained passive. No concrete action has been taken, nor has there been any effort to collaborate with industry stakeholders to curb drug use without disrupting filmmaking.

Films are often criticised for depicting violence against women, yet when the issue of real-world abuse in the industry was formally addressed, the government's response was indifferent. The Hema committee’s report, which detailed the misuse of power in the film industry and the mistreatment of women in their workplaces, was left to gather dust. This selective outrage — blaming cinema while ignoring real-world issues — exposes a clear double standard in governance.

Cinema is an artistic expression that may depict violence but does not dictate real-life actions. What happens in reality is far more alarming and disturbing. Vijayan himself wrote an obituary for a murder convict who was also a party colleague, a gesture that raises serious ethical questions. There have also been multiple instances where his party’s leadership has visited individuals convicted of political murders in jail, offering them support and legitimising their actions. When those in power normalise and glorify real-life violence within their own ranks, blaming films for the rising crime rates is nothing but a blatant act of hypocrisy.

Embrace a practical approach

If films are to be blamed for all the negatives in society, by the same logic, why don’t the ‘good films’ lead to a morally upright society? Society consists of both good and bad elements, and films merely reflect this complexity. The bottom line is simple: only a criminal will engage in criminal acts.

If someone struggles to distinguish between artistic expression and real life, the issue lies not with cinema but with their mindset. Such individuals need psychological help and intervention, not impositions on creative storytelling.

(Sreejith Panickar is a political commentator. X: @PanickarS.)

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author's own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH.