Glorify heroes, not negative characters: CM to filmmakers

Varanasi: Emphasising the responsibility of cinema in shaping societal values, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday called upon filmmakers to produce content that inspires society, cautioning against glorifying negative characters.Speaking at a grand theatrical presentation on Chakravarti Samrat Vikramaditya, the chief minister said, "Theatrical presentation is not merely a theatrical programme, but is also a medium to connect people with their values... Drama, art, and cinema shape society, and characters played by artists inspire youth. I suggest filmmakers showcase positive characters as heroes.""There was a time when cinema glorified negative characters as heroes, and it led to a generation going astray. But today, times have changed," Yogi said.He said Indian cinema had historically played a positive role when it reflected the country's ideals, adding, "Whatever is presented to the current generation will shape them in the same manner."Yogi highlighted the connection between Kashi and Ujjain, saying just like Ram-Laxman and Krishna-Balaram are iconic brotherly duos in Indian tradition, Bhartrihari and Vikramaditya are revered pairs in Nath Sampradaya. Vikramaditya's base was Ujjain, while Bhartrihari meditated on Kashi's Ganga banks. Chunar fort, right across Kashi, owes its existence to Bhartrihari's penance. UP govt is now beautifying and preserving Chunar fort.The CM described this dramatic rendition on Vikramaditya as a means to revive values like Indian culture, valour, philanthropy, justice, and good governance. He added it is part of a broader initiative to connect today's youth with ancient cultural values and ideals. He thanked Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, the Sanskrit department, and artists for this commendable effort, saying such events will help pass on India's cultural heritage to the next generation.Yogi said this event bridges Ujjain, the city of Indian timekeeping, and Kashi, hub of panchang creation, showcasing India's time-trecking tradition globally. Post-2014, PM Modi's push for traditional knowledge and skills is getting global acceptance – be it yoga or ayush. The Kumbh tradition, thousands of years old, drew over 66 crore devotees globally in Prayagraj in 2019. The CM said millions visit Kashi and Ayodhya yearly after the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and Ram Temple projects. Vikramaditya played a key role in Ayodhya's revival – he rediscovered the city 2,000 years ago and built the first Ram Temple after Lav (Ram's son). PM Modi's efforts are continuing Vikramaditya's legacy, he added.Under Vikramotsav-2026, a three-day grand theatrical production, "Samrat Vikramaditya", was staged live on Friday to spread the good governance and love for justice of Ujjain's Emperor Vikramaditya to the masses. It features more than 225 artists, elephants, horses, chariots, palanquins, grand battle scenes, light shows, fireworks, dance and divine glimpses of Baba Mahakal's ‘Bhasm Aarti'. The saga from the birth to the coronation of the great Emperor Vikramaditya, the tale of Vikram Betal and the epic narrative of the rise of Sanatan Dharm came alive in this grand theatrical production.Yadav, who also addressed the gathering, highlighted the legacy of Vikramaditya and cultural ties between states. He said, "We are working together with the Uttar Pradesh govt to strengthen cultural ties between the two states."Earlier, Yadav welcomed Yogi by presenting a Dharm Pattika. He also gifted a 700-kilogram Vikramaditya Vedic Clock, which will be installed at Shri Baba Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Saturday.