"Social media is often driven by a certain narrowness"
Shah Rukh Khan has responded to the boycott calls Pathaan is facing.
The film is facing boycott calls for a number of reasons.
It has resulted in the hashtag #BoycottPathaan trending on Twitter.
Fuel was added to the fire when the film’s first song, ‘Besharam Rang’, was released.
Many accused the music video of promoting vulgarity as Deepika Padukone was seen wearing a number of skimpy outfits and performing provocative dance moves.
Madhya Pradesh minister Narottam Mishra called the song objectionable and was against the outfits. He said that unless it was changed, Pathaan may not be released in the state.
Social media users also poked fun at Deepika’s dance moves.
Shah Rukh Khan has now responded to the boycott calls.
During his speech at the Kolkata International Film Festival 2022, SRK spoke about the negativity on social media.
Without mentioning Pathaan, Shah Rukh addressed the “narrowness of view” on social media and also challenged those with a negative mindset.
He said: “The collective narratives of our times are shaped by social media.
“Contrary to the belief that the spread of social media will affect cinema negatively, I believe cinema has an even more important role to play now.
“Social media is often driven by a certain narrowness of view that limits human nature to its baser self.
“And it’s somewhere that negativity increases social media consumption and thereby increases its commercial value as well. Such pursuits enclose the collective narrative making it divisive and destructive.”
EXCLUSIVE:
Listen to The Baadshah’s speech at #KIFF #KIFF2022 here!#ShahRukhKhan #SRK #Pathaan #BesharamRang pic.twitter.com/eNtDEbZHNx— Shah Rukh Khan Universe Fan Club (@SRKUniverse) December 15, 2022
SRK went on to say that cinema can counter the negativity on social media and spread compassion in turn.
He continued:
“Cinema exposes the vulnerability of human nature by telling stories in their simplest form as they are lived.”
“It allows us to know each other better. In a way, it is best placed to sustain a collective counter-narrative that speaks to the larger nature of humankind – a narrative that brings to the fore humanity’s immense capacity for compassion, unity, and brotherhood.
“The world has become normal. We are all happy, I am the happiest. And I have no objection in stating that me, you all and all the positive people are alive.”
Shah Rukh’s speech drew huge cheers from the crowd.
Pathaan is set to be released in cinemas on January 25, 2023.
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