Aamir Khan’s old video goes viral, addressing issue of sex and violence in movies post ‘Animal’ release

The much-awaited action-drama ‘Animal,’ starring Ranbir Kapoor has found itself amidst a storm of criticism for its perceived toxic, controversial, and problematic content after it was released on Friday, December 1. One notable reaction to the film’s reception is an old interview of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, which has gone viral on social media.

In the clip, Aamir provides insightful commentary on the use of violence in films, particularly by directors he refers to as “not that talented.” The actor, known for his thoughtful approach to cinema, emphasises how some filmmakers resort to explicit content as a shortcut to success. 

Watch the video here:

“There are a few emotions jo bohut easy hote hain audience mein provoke karne k liye (that are very easy to provoke the audience with). These emotions are violence is one of them and sex is another. These are two emotions which are most easy to provoke in a human being. If the directors are not so talented in creating a story, in showing emotions and creating situations, they (tend to) depend heavily on violence and sex to make their films work.” Aamir was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

To me, it is wrong thinking: Aamir Khan

As Animal faces backlash for its intense and controversial narrative choices, Aamir’s words take on a renewed relevance, fueling discussions on the responsibility of directors and the impact of graphic content on the cinematic experience. The resurfacing of Khan’s interview highlights the ongoing debate within the industry regarding the ethical use of violence in storytelling and its consequences on audience reception. 

“They think, ‘If we add a lot of sex and violence in films then it will be successful’. To me, it is wrong thinking. They might be successful by doing this but it harms society very much. And I think that’s very wrong. I think we are morally responsible, those of us who are working in the medium of cinema. They are definitely, if not to a large extent, to a certain extent responsible. The audience and youngsters who watch our film, there is an impact on them…I’m not saying, ‘There should be no violence in films’. It depends on the subject. There are ways of showing it.” he said.