'Our thinking contains violence, its roots are in Mahabharata,' director defends O Romeo
Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj defends the violent elements in his recent film O Romeo by linking them to the historical context of violence in the Mahabharata.
Vishal Bhardwaj, a well-known filmmaker, has recently released his film O Romeo, which has been well-received by audiences for its intriguing storyline filled with action and violence. In a recent interaction, Bhardwaj justified the portrayal of violence in his films, asserting that they present such scenes in an artistic manner. He referred to his previous works such as Maqbool and Haider, which also featured intense scenes of violence but were grounded in strong narratives that prevented them from feeling excessive or forced.
When asked about the increasing audience tolerance for violence in contemporary cinema, as exemplified by successful films like Animal, Marko, and Dhurandhar, Bhardwaj emphasized that while violence can be a contentious point, it should be relevant and contextually justified within the story. He drew a parallel between modern cinema and the epic narrative of the Mahabharata, arguing that the epic's depictions of violence are expansive and direct, thus reflecting a cultural acceptance of such themes in storytelling that hails from this ancient text.
Bhardwaj's comments raise important questions about the representation of violence in media and its acceptance over time. His claim that audiences are willing to embrace violence as long as it is part of a compelling story challenges filmmakers to explore this complex relationship thoughtfully, especially in a context where cultural narratives have historically included violent elements. This dialogue touches upon the broader implications of storytelling in the filmmaking industry and its reflection on societal characteristics.