Filmmaker Ranjith: You should not give undue importance to films

Filmmaker Ranjith, who also heads the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, recently shared his thoughts on whether cinema influences a society. Talking to The New Indian Express, Ranjith stated that cinema has no power to influence. He also added that only a few ‘fools’ would think otherwise. “If some sees Mohanlal in Narasimham and imitates him outside the theatre, he will get beaten up! Then he will realise his folly,” Ranjith added.
During the interview, Ranjith also said that one should not give undue importance to films. He substantiated that everyone makes films to show in the theatres and make money, and only John Abraham (filmmaker) was different. He further stated that the ultimate aim of any filmmaker is to make money.
When asked about whether a filmmaker requires social commitment, Ranjith expressed that, people are giving undue seriousness in interpreting the films, while those who make them are sitting relaxed. He also stated that people get moulded by one’s own circumstances and experiences, not by cinema.

When the director was quizzed about if he meant cinema shouldn’t be taken seriously, he expressed that ‘cinema should be seen as cinema’. He also said that fiilms are created by people with multiple tastes, and are meant for people with multiple tastes. He added that one should understand film, and enjoy, rather than looking for their politics.

Ranjith is a three-time National award winner, and he has also bagged several Kerala State Film Awards. His recent outing as a filmmaker was the 2018 release ‘Drama’.