Impact of movies on society- Is real life copying reel life in violence against women?

The objectives of film production and the structure of society are so closely interwoven that both look interdependent. This fact emerged out of a survey conducted by Sambad Plus Team among 400 cine viewers of Bhubaneswar to ascertain the impact of modern films on society.

According to our survey 79 percent people believe that films are the mirror of society and the cycle of social events happening in real life is depicted on the big screen, while 21 percent people believe that film stories have nothing to do with real life.

Films are a good medium of entertainment; they come under scrutiny and criticism every now and then. In answer to a question, 49 percent people voted that films make a great impact on society and that they are an effective medium to mould public opinion. Thirty five percent people feel that films do not make a good impact on society. Sixteen percent of the people were neutral in their reaction.

Old movies vs. new movies

New films are far better than the old ones in terms of technique. Yet there are people who are still diehard fans of old movies. According to 83 percent people, the central theme of the old films revolved around social issues and such films were inspiring, while new films are made keeping box-office collections in mind. Seventeen percent people liked the new movies for better technique and locations.

In answer to a few questions related to the impact of modern films on society, 85 percent said that fashion and films are complementary to each other while 71 percent people said that films are misleading youth into fantasyland. Sixty seven percent people feel that these films are the cause of increasing atrocities on women, 

76 percent blame films for the declining moral values and 70 percent point out that films are the main reason of rising crime in society. Eighty nine percent people have raised a question mark on the role of the Film Censor Board on the subject of its issuing different certificates to similar types of movies.

Overexposure in movies

95 percent people were of the opinion that ‘adult movies’ should not be shown in cinema halls. Five percent said there is no harm in showing such films but youngsters below 18 years of age should not be allowed to see such movies.

In the view of 34 percent people, the audience itself is responsible for the growing exposure in films, while 27 percent held the producers responsible, 20 percent blamed the actors and 12 percent blamed directors while according to 7 percent the cheap story line of the film is responsible.  

Impact On children

32 percent people feel that the unbelievable stunts of the ‘hero’ in the movies are responsible for increasing delinquency in children. On the other hand, 28 percent feel that the temptation to emulate one’s favourite actor is the main reason behind it, while 23 percent blame the glamour of movies. On the contrary, 17 percent said that it would not be astonishing for them if students bunked school to watch entertaining movies.

In an answer to an interesting question ‘whether they impersonate any actor or actress or not, 57 percent politely refused to answer. Twenty four percent of people said that they sometimes try to adopt the looks and mannerisms of their favourite actors.  Nineteen percent of people said ‘no.’