FilmIndia (Feb-Dec 1949)

March, 1949 FILM INDIA The Hon. Mr. R. K. Patll say how far they are anti-national. But apart from this there are a great majority of films in India which are anti-nati. nal because they corrupt the minds of the young by inflaming their passions and creating in them a desire for a sex life which is neither natural nor pure. I am aware of the educative value of the films, but I am afraid the film trade has blindly copied Western standards and in doing so has corrupted itself and the nation. "If Filmindia could indicate the lines on which film industry should develop so as to assist in building national character it shall serve a great cause." "Film, index of national life", says the Hon. Sri H.C. Nasker, Minister for Forests and Fisheries, Government of West Bengal. "The Hon'ble Minister has gone through the editorial ".National Suicide"' published in this issue and has greatly appreciated it even though he does not agree fully with the views expressed therein. His view is that the film is the index of national life and the great struggle into which our nation was plunged to win the freedom is naturally a suitable theme for films. "What appears to him to be really wrong with modern films is that the producers do not set any value to the educative side of films or to the fineness of the art. With an eye on the box-office only, they produce films of cheap quality to attract the masses. "In his opinion, the depicting of rebellions in a country struggling for liberty is not exceptionable if you also, at the same time, teach how the people should behave in a free country." "Public opinion needed" says His Excelleney Mr. Asaf Ali, the Governor of Orlssa. "I have had occasion to glance at "filmindia", and consider it a well got up periodical. Like most other industries the film industry in India, diough greatly patronised is capable of improvement. The criticism to which my attention has been invited is trenchant, but perhaps the H. E. Mr. Asaf Ali balanced presentation which the critic has in view is usually the result of "public opinion'." "Cheap sensationalism should he avoided" says the Hon. Dr. John Mathai, Finance Minister to the Government of India. "I have perused your editorial article ".National Suicide"' with interest. While I do not agree with all that you have said in this article, I agree that cheap sensationalism in films with its emphasis on violence should be avoided as far as possible." "Rightly condemned destructive teachings", says the Hon. Mr. R. Agnibhoj, Minister of Public Works, Government of Central Provinces & Berar. "I very much appreciate your warning against 'national suicide' in die cinema world. You have rightly condemned the destructive teachings and depictions in the latest pictures in the name of Indian nationalism and have warned all concerned, specially the patriots and politicians to beware of it. But, at the same time, this is not the only sphere where some anti-national teachings and tendencies are inculcated. The objectionable and filthy pictures, which are degrading the lives and morals of our people, are running unhampered in quite a good number. "I really feel like seeing the hero of your editorial that is bhri Chandulal Shah, and would lij-ce to hear his "Inglis" and mark his "plezar". I thought as if you are going to depict him in some of the coming pictures and this is the background for the coming events. "I do not know much of the pictures, the actors and actresses and the film industry politics. But, I really wish that when the pictures go out for consumption in the market, where all types of people — both males and females, young boys and girls — see them in large numbers, they should impart education, pleasure and happiness and give moral strength, and I hope that Filmindia will make proper efforts in this direction." The Hon. Mr. R. Agnibhoj 45