Entertainment

Up in Smoke: South Indian Cinema: Fiery Impact on Youth and Society

9 months ago
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south superstar smoking

In the dramatic realm of South Indian cinema, where heroes defy gravity and villains defy reason, there exists a peculiar obsession – an obsession with smoking. From the rugged terrains of “Guntur Kaaram” to the suave cityscapes of “Leo,” and the audacious antics of “Balayya,” actors puffing away on screen have inadvertently become the unspoken ambassadors of the tobacco industry, or so it seems.

In a society where cinema often blurs the line between fiction and reality, the sight of larger-than-life heroes effortlessly lighting up has left the youth in a state of bewilderment. As they watch their beloved stars glorify the art of smoking, they must be pondering: “Is that how one attains greatness? Is that the secret ingredient to become an iconic ‘Leo’ or a ‘Balayya’?” 

In the recent release from Tamil Industry, LEO featuring Thalapathy Vijay, there is a fight scene where Leo beats up a whole squad of police officers while not letting go his cigarettes from his mouth and still manages to kill all the policemen. In another scene Sanjay Dutt seeks to verify the identity of Leo through a specific cigarette.

Indeed, the impact of these cinematic smoke signals has been profound. Young impressionable minds, fresh out of school, now find themselves torn between the allure of the silver screen and the stern warnings of health classes. They grapple with the perplexing notion that perhaps puffing on a cigarette is the gateway to style, success, and stardom. After all, why aim for the stars when you can just aim for smoke rings?

And let’s not forget the societal repercussions. The subtle endorsement of smoking in these movies has unintentionally turned our public spaces into smoky havens. Parks, cafes, and even bus stops have become battlegrounds where clouds of smoke clash with the clean air enthusiasts. Thanks to our on-screen heroes, it seems everyone is trying to emulate their favorite characters, turning our cities into a haze-filled tribute to cinematic influence.

Health Hazard of the Mass Appeal!

Meanwhile, the health-conscious citizens are left baffled, wondering if they should invest in gas masks or simply take up chain-smoking to fit in with the cinematic norm. It’s a world where gym memberships and kale smoothies contend with the seductive appeal of a cigarette – all thanks to the mesmerizing power of the silver screen.

In this smoke-filled saga, one can’t help but imagine a cinematic universe where heroes promote healthier habits. Picture this: “The Amazing Adventures of Gym Guru” or “The Spectacular Spinach Man.” Alas, until that day dawns, we’ll continue to witness the puff and play of our celluloid stars, inadvertently shaping the aspirations and habits of a generation.

What is surprising that these megastars are well aware of the manganous aura they inhibit and its impact on society and youngster especially, they have been instances when these megastars were outrightly narrated the implications of such portrayal of their character on screen, PMK president and MP Anbumani Ramadoss has time and again criticized actor Vijay for featuring a smoking scene in the poster of his film “Leo.” In a tweet, Ramadoss emphasized Vijay’s social responsibility, stating that since many children and youngsters watch his movies, he should avoid promoting smoking. Ramadoss reminded Vijay of his past promises to refrain from smoking scenes in movies made in 2007 and 2012. This criticism isn’t new; PMK had previously raised similar concerns during the release of Vijay’s films like “Pokkiri” and “Thuppaki.” Other actors, including Rajinikanth and Dhanush, have also faced criticism from PMK for smoking in films, leading to some modifications in their on-screen portrayals of smoking.

However, the smoking chase seems not to stop in the cinematic world as for now, So, here’s to you, South Indian cinema, for illuminating our lives, even if it’s through the haze of a thousand cigarettes. After all, what’s a little smoke compared to the allure of stardom? Let’s just hope our youth will one day realize that real heroes don’t need smoke; they need substance, and perhaps a good dose of fresh air wouldn’t hurt either.

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