Debate over religious sentiments also raises broader questions about obscenity, violence, substance use and inappropriate portrayals in the digital entertainment space
New Delhi, September 24 (SDNA):
Debates surrounding films and web series are increasingly moving beyond questions of entertainment and entering wider discussions on religion, culture, freedom of expression, social values and the impact of digital content on young audiences.
The recent controversy surrounding the film ‘Hanuman Ansh’ has once again brought one larger question into focus: should different forms of entertainment content be examined through broadly consistent standards when concerns are raised about their possible social impact?
Objections to a film dealing with religious or cultural themes can be part of legitimate public discourse, provided such objections remain peaceful and within the framework of law. At the same time, questions surrounding obscene material, excessive violence, abusive language, substance use, crime and objectionable portrayals of women also deserve serious public discussion.
If Religious Sensitivities Matter, So Does the Wider Impact of Content
People may hold differing views about the influence of religious, cultural or ideological themes presented through cinema. If entertainment is considered capable of influencing audiences, however, the same discussion can reasonably extend to other forms of content as well.
The issue becomes particularly significant when children and adolescents are involved. Young viewers are still developing their understanding of language, relationships, social behaviour and acceptable norms. Their exposure to digital content therefore remains an important concern for parents and educators.
At the same time, it would be simplistic to attribute an individual’s behaviour or criminal conduct solely to a film, web series or social media content. Family circumstances, education, peer groups, economic conditions and personal experiences can all play a role. The potential influence of media should neither be exaggerated nor dismissed altogether.
Digital Access Has Changed the Nature of Responsibility
The entertainment environment has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few decades. Earlier, television programmes and films were accessed through relatively limited and predictable channels.
The arrival of smartphones, OTT platforms and social media has changed that equation. Entertainment is now available virtually around the clock, allowing viewers to choose content according to their preferences.
Greater choice, however, also creates new responsibilities. Age suitability, parental supervision and digital awareness have become increasingly important, particularly for younger users who may encounter material intended for mature audiences.
Responsibility in this environment cannot rest solely with parents. Platforms, educational institutions, families and viewers themselves all have a role in promoting responsible digital consumption.
Violence and Obscenity Need a Broader Conversation
Crime, revenge, murder, physical violence, drug use, abusive language and sexual themes are frequently used as elements of storytelling in contemporary films and web series.
Creative freedom allows filmmakers to explore difficult and controversial subjects. The broader question is how such themes are presented and whether viewers—particularly younger audiences—receive adequate information about the nature and age suitability of the material.
The debate does not necessarily have to centre on eliminating such content altogether. Instead, attention can be directed towards effective age classifications, clear content descriptions and meaningful parental-control mechanisms.
Simply advising children not to watch inappropriate material may not be sufficient in an environment where digital content is easily accessible. Open communication within families and stronger digital-media literacy in schools can also contribute to addressing the challenge.
Freedom of Expression and Social Responsibility
Creative expression is an important part of a democratic society. Disagreement with a film or web series, by itself, does not automatically establish that the material should be prohibited.
Conversely, describing every controversial piece of content merely as “entertainment” does not eliminate legitimate questions about compliance with law, age suitability or social responsibility.
A balanced approach can involve applicable legal standards, transparent classification systems, viewer awareness and effective digital safeguards while preserving the space for legitimate creative expression.
Should Public Scrutiny Follow Consistent Principles?
When a section of society objects to a film dealing with a religious subject, peaceful expression of that concern forms part of public debate. Similar attention can also be directed towards content that presents excessive violence, substance use, abusive behaviour or inappropriate treatment of women, particularly when questions arise about its accessibility to younger audiences.
Public discussion becomes more meaningful when it focuses on the content itself, the applicable law and the available evidence rather than on the identity of the filmmaker, organisation, community or ideological group involved.
Viewers Also Shape the Entertainment Industry
The entertainment market is influenced not only by producers and streaming platforms but also by audience behaviour.
Content that attracts large viewership, engagement and sharing can influence future production decisions. This makes audiences part of the wider ecosystem surrounding digital entertainment.
Parents can therefore play an important role by discussing online content with their children. Young viewers can also be encouraged to understand that fictional characters and situations shown on screen do not necessarily represent desirable real-world behaviour.
Schools and educational institutions may further strengthen media and digital literacy so that young people develop the ability to critically evaluate what they watch.
Cultural Concerns Need a Wider Perspective
Discussions about culture and social values need not begin and end with opposition to an individual film.
If the underlying concern is the influence of entertainment on language, behaviour, attitudes and the outlook of younger generations, then different categories of digital content may need to be considered through consistent and evidence-based principles.
Films dealing with religious themes can be examined on the basis of facts, applicable law and the context in which the material is presented. At the same time, questions concerning obscenity, violence, substance use, abusive language and potentially harmful portrayals deserve space in the same public conversation.
The larger issue, therefore, extends beyond ‘Hanuman Ansh’ or any single film. It concerns the digital environment in which today’s younger generation is growing up.
The challenge is to protect legitimate creative freedom while strengthening awareness, age-appropriate access, digital literacy and responsible consumption of entertainment content.
— Dr. Satyawan Saurabh
PhD (Political Science), Poet and Social Thinker
(SDNA)