Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has voiced significant concerns about the current state of the entertainment industry, describing it as a “dark and bad phase.” The director, renowned for critically acclaimed films such as ‘Arth’ and ‘Saaransh’, shared his perspective during a recent discussion, touching upon the profound impact of social media and artificial intelligence on creative freedom.
Bhatt contended that social media has inadvertently amplified the power of authority, creating an environment where the voices of truth-tellers are often suppressed. He observed a growing fear among people, leading to self-censorship and the stifling of genuine narratives. This suppression, according to Bhatt, has been further exacerbated by the pervasive influence of the digital age.
His worries extend to the rise of algorithms and artificial intelligence, which he believes are compelling creators to pursue “safe and ordinary” projects. Bhatt recalled a time when some individuals were willing to take risks with their artistic ideas. Now, he notes, fear has become a dominant factor, discouraging bold and unconventional storytelling.
The seasoned filmmaker reflected on the historical challenges of bringing truth to the screen. He mentioned that even in earlier times, few films dared to speak uncomfortable truths. Those who attempted to do so were often advised to channel their expressions into poetry or literature instead of cinema.
Mahesh Bhatt’s illustrious career spans decades, beginning his directorial journey at the age of 26 with ‘Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain’. He gained widespread recognition for his work on films such as ‘Arth’, ‘Naam’, ‘Aashiqui’, and ‘Sadak’. Beyond directing, Bhatt has also achieved success as a producer and screenwriter, contributing to popular films like ‘Jism’ and ‘Murder’. His extensive experience lends significant weight to his current critique of the industry’s direction.