This year saw the release of two highly successful films, ‘Salaar’ and ‘Animal,’ both receiving strong Box Office appreciation despite facing criticism for excessive violence. Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who stars in Salaar, recently addressed the issue of violence in films, defending the creative freedom of filmmakers in depicting graphic violence content.
In an interview with News18, Prithviraj expressed his belief that filmmakers should be allowed the liberty to portray graphic violence if it serves the narrative: "I haven’t watched Animal yet, and so, I can’t comment on it. But because I’m a filmmaker also, I’m of the opinion that as a filmmaker, if you think you need to shoot graphic violence to be able to tell the story the way you want to, you should have the liberty to do it."
He emphasised the role of the Censor Board in determining a film's certification, limiting the audience based on content: "Our responsibility as a filmmaker is to make sure that we submit it to the Censor Board. How we make the film should be left to us."
Speaking specifically about Salaar, Prithviraj justified the violence in the film, stating that it is integral to the plot and serves as a screenplay instrument to enhance the drama: "The violence in Salaar is very much a character in the plot, and it’s a screenplay instrument to further the drama. Without the violence, Salaar won’t be what it is."
Defending the violent content in both Salaar and Animal, Prithviraj argued that artists shouldn't bear moral responsibility, as audiences are informed of a film's certification indicating the presence of violence or nudity. He suggested that censorship should be applied in the exhibition sector to regulate audience access.
Also starring Prabhas, Shruti Haasan and Tinu Anand in prominent roles, Salaar is presently enjoying a successful run in theatres.