Filmmakers across the globe prefer to clarify saying — all characters and events depicted in their respective films are entirely fictitious, and any similarity to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. This is usually done to avoid hurting the sentiments on various accounts and to save themselves from any hurdles especially legal interventions over the exhibition of their work. However, at times the excessive cinematic freedom draws criticism and filmmakers are often accused of showing disrespect to a particular community, professions, person or even an event and others. Recently, a song from an upcoming Kannada movie Dasharatha is accused of insulting the legal community. Also, in another venture, the promos of a film in which the character of a ‘nurse’ was shown in poor light has also drawn widespread criticism.
In 2013, a city based advocate M K Vijaykumar had approached Karnataka High Court accusing the makers of the Kannada film titled Manjunatha BA LLB. He had alleged that the lead character played by Jaggesh as an advocate was shown in an inebriated condition.
“I was shocked when I saw the posters of the films in which the character of an advocate was shown in an inebriated condition. One may argue on cinematic liberty but there is a thin line which no one should cross, as it hurts a community who are into a noble profession. Not all are corrupt, and there are still many who live a principled and honest life. Moreover, showing us in such poor light forced us to knock the courts,” says the advocate Vijaykumar.
During the hearing of his plea, the high court on Feb 2013, had even strongly observed saying that the filmmakers cannot depict a lawyer as a Devdas.
In the latest case, a lawyer has reportedly approached the court by filing a defamation case against the makers of the upcoming Kannada film Dasharatha. Further, according to reports he has sought for Rs 1 as compensation in his defamation suit. It is learnt that he has raised the objection to a song in the film ‘kari kotu hakorella...’. According to the advocate, the lyrics in this film undermines the whole judicial system in the country.
“Movies are mostly a reflection of realities though at times they are imaginary creations. But when reflecting them through the popular mode, one has to be extra cautious. This is why rules and regulations govern film making and its exhibition,” says film critic Subramanya.
He wraps it up by adding that another movie titled Arabi Kadala Teeraadali depicted the profession of nursing in bad light in its posters, following which the makers have promised to rectify the same before the film’s release.
