Rising youth crimes linked to violence in films

Ramesh Chennithala, the former leader of the opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, has raised concerns over the increasing violence in films and its potential link to rising criminal behaviour among young people. He specifically pointed to films released in recent times, accusing them of portraying violence in a manner that could influence the youth negatively. Chennithala urged the state government to take swift action to address what he perceives as a growing issue in the entertainment industry.
Chennithala’s remarks have sparked a debate on the role of media, particularly films, in shaping societal norms and influencing the behaviour of vulnerable groups, especially youth. Speaking at a public gathering, he stated that the glorification of violence in cinema was not only irresponsible but also had a harmful impact on the younger population, who are more susceptible to such portrayals. According to Chennithala, the state government must intervene and regulate such content before it contributes further to an increase in crimes committed by young people.
The issue of film violence is not new to India, but Chennithala’s direct address of the topic has added weight to an ongoing debate. His call for government action brings to light concerns shared by various community leaders, psychologists, and educators, who warn that a significant portion of young offenders often cite violent movies as an influence. While films are often used as an escape or source of entertainment, their impact, especially on impressionable minds, is increasingly being questioned.
The films specifically referenced by Chennithala include recent releases that have generated significant buzz for their violent content. He has called on the state government to scrutinise such films more carefully before they are released to the public. There are calls for tighter censorship or the implementation of new guidelines to ensure that violent content does not have a negative impact on young viewers. Chennithala's statement aligns with an argument held by various child protection agencies who advocate for a more responsible depiction of violence on screen, particularly given the vulnerability of adolescents.
While Kerala’s film industry has produced numerous iconic films over the years, recent trends towards action-packed, high-octane violence have led to growing concern. Several films, which have broken box office records, have faced criticism for their excessive portrayals of violence. Experts argue that young minds exposed to such content without proper context or parental guidance may develop skewed perceptions of reality. Psychologists point to the phenomenon known as "media contagion," where viewers internalise violent actions seen in films and replicate them in real life.
There is a broader cultural debate about the responsibility of filmmakers and the government’s role in regulating content. Proponents of artistic freedom argue that cinema should not be restricted based on its depiction of violence, as it forms an essential part of storytelling and social commentary. On the other hand, critics argue that some content goes beyond artistic expression and serves only to glorify harmful behaviour.
The argument for regulation is not without precedent. Various countries, including the UK and the US, have long had systems in place to ensure that films are rated appropriately according to their content, especially when it comes to violence. The Motion Picture Association of America, for example, assigns ratings to films based on their suitability for different age groups, with a focus on mitigating potential harm to children and young adults. Some have called for a similar approach in India, suggesting that a more structured rating system could prevent films with explicit violence from reaching younger audiences.
Chennithala’s comments also come in the wake of rising crime rates in some urban areas of Kerala. Police data shows a noticeable increase in violent crimes among young offenders in certain districts, raising questions about the factors contributing to this shift. Experts have pointed to various socio-economic factors, including poverty, lack of employment opportunities, and poor access to education, but Chennithala's focus on the influence of media is an important aspect of the larger discussion.


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