Experts express concern for kids after Telugu superhit 'Magadheera' on re-incarnation inspires a college student to commit suicide
Experts express concern for kids after Telugu superhit 'Magadheera' on re-incarnation inspires a college student to commit suicideThe suicide of a college student who watched a film about reincarnation has left sociologists worried, but the movie industry is taking it in its stride.
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'Born-again' warrior: Ram Charan Tej in a still from the film |
Chandrashekar (16), who watched the Telugu film Maghadeera 25 times, committed suicide near Kolar, believing he would be reborn.
A R Vasavi, sociologist at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, is convinced movies are bringing back ideas that belong in the past.
"Feudal and superstitious ideas are getting a modern touch in movies like Magadheera," she told MiD DAY.
Vijayendra Prasad, scriptwriter of Maghadeera, said, "I feel sad about the student's decision but sometimes it happens. We don't have bad intentions... we just try to make the story more effective."
He said the audience should realise that films revolve around mythology and fiction.
"Weak-minded people kill themselves, but filmmakers can't be responsible for such acts," he said.
B Suresh, director of several Kannada films, said, "Children are influenced by media and we should be responsible."
He said there was no point in movie-makers feeling guilty about such an incident. "Finally, a movie gets more publicity," he added.
"This is very tragic. Movies transfer the audience to another world. Nowadays, children also know about
film-making and graphics, but some immature children may take such a step," said Kannada movie star Ramesh Aravind.
He said script writers or film directors would not be able to do anything but feel sad.
Srinivas, spokesman of Ambareesh Fans Association, said, "Fans follow their hero's footsteps and we believe the hero is God. Ambareesh's fans also did some dangerous things when his movie Olavina Udugore (Gift of Love) was released. One of them injured himself like the hero. But sometimes, we should know what is false and what is real".u00a0
What's it about?Magadheera (2009) is a love story that spans two lives. The story is told with graphics and spectacular action. The hero is reborn and is united with his love. With a budget of Rs 45 crore, it is said to be the most expensive Telugu film ever. Chandrashekhar, the Kolar college student who killed himself earlier this week, reportedly emulated his hero and performed a secret puja. He had also made a trip to Hyderabad to catch a glimpse of the hero of the film, Ram Charan Teja, but came back disappointed.
The big party
Director Allu Aravind is planning a big 100th day bash for Magadheera on December 19. The film has created history not only in Andhra Pradesh but across south India. The buzz is that the team plans to spend Rs 3 crore on the celebrations, approximately the full budget of au00a0Kannada film!
They want the Hyderabad event to be the most memorable movie event ever. All very nice, but Aravindgaru, shouldn't you spare a thought for the innocent little boy who was so impressed by all your razzmatazz that he killed himself?
