RGV slams film institutes, labels classics like 'Citizen Kane' irrelevant

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma expressed his frustration with film institutes, branding them as out of touch with the modern filmmaking scene. He criticized their outdated course structures, mourning their focus on classic films like 'Battleship Potemkin' and 'Citizen Kane' while neglecting contemporary successes like 'Kantara' and 'KGF 2'. Varma argued that such institutes should prioritize teaching relevant skills and knowledge that reflect the current state of the industry.

Talking to Film Companion, RGV said that film institutes are the biggest sham, and he feels sorry for the students who join them. He is also talking about the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune, which has existed since the 1970s. He has not heard of a single guy coming from that institute and becoming anything in life—a very few people, a handful. Maybe Ketan Mehta or Vidhu Vinod Chopra, but the institute wouldn’t have taught them.

RGV further added that the point is that if it’s a professional course, it has to be updated to today’s time. People should teach how to make 'Kantara' and 'KGF 2'. Now people are talking about 'Battleship Potemkin' and 'Citizen Kane', which have absolutely no relevance.

Meanwhile, RGV had plans to set up his own film school, named RGV UnSchool, back in 2018. However, there is limited information regarding its current status. Recently, RGV helmed 'Vyuham', with Part I hitting theaters on March 2, 2024, and Part II, titled 'Shapatham', set for release on March 8, 2024.