Patriotism becoming monopoly of a few, says critic Manu Chakravarthy
Bengaluru: National award-winning film critic Prof. Manu Chakravarthy has expressed serious concern over the shrinking space for creative freedom in the country, stating that patriotism has increasingly become a “patent of a few people” while voices of peace and humanity are being branded as anti-national.
Speaking at a discussion held as part of the ongoing 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival, Chakravarthy said that films promoting hatred and intolerance were being celebrated, while those questioning such narratives were being targeted.
“In today’s atmosphere, people who speak about peace, love and compassion are being portrayed as enemies of the nation. Movies like Uri and Dhurandhar spread hatred and intolerance. Those who question such films are immediately labelled as urban naxals or traitors,” he remarked.
The noted critic warned that the growing hostility towards independent thinkers and filmmakers posed a serious threat not just to art and cinema but to democracy itself. “Filmmakers and critics who believe in creative freedom are being suppressed. This danger is not limited to the art world alone; it is a crisis confronting our entire civilisation,” he said.
He also highlighted how even film festivals were coming under pressure due to political sensitivities. Citing an example, Chakravarthy said that documentaries like The Voice of Hind Rajab, which deals with the Palestine conflict, were not being allowed screening in many platforms.
“Films that uphold human values and universal relationships need to be supported. Critics must have the courage to speak for such works without fear,” he urged.
The discussion drew attention to the challenges faced by artists and intellectuals in the current socio-political climate, where dissenting opinions are often met with hostility.
17th Bengaluru International Film Festival concludes today
The 17th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival, being held at Lulu Mall in the city, will conclude on Thursday (February 6). The closing ceremony will honour senior actress and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Jayamala and veteran filmmaker S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu for completing 50 years in cinema.
Several acclaimed films from different countries and languages will be screened on the final day, including celebrated director Richard Linklater’s French film Nouvelle Vague, Dr. Rajkumar-starrer Kannada classic Shankar Guru, and the historical movie Man of Marble.
Hamsalekha to receive Lifetime Achievement Award
Renowned lyricist and music composer Dr. Hamsalekha has been selected for the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award of the Bengaluru International Film Festival. The honour will be presented to him at the valedictory function on Thursday.
Officials from the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, including Registrar Vinod Chandra and Artistic Director Murali, personally met Hamsalekha and invited him to receive the award.
The festival this year witnessed enthusiastic participation from filmmakers, critics and cinema lovers, reaffirming Bengaluru’s position as a major hub for global film culture.
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