Why target films? Films are a creative medium in which filmmakers envision characters and portray them on celluloid. Imposing such bans would definitely hinder the creativity of a filmmaker. We are an entertainment industry and not an educational establishment. Films have always reflected society and not vice-versa.

In my opinion, whether it’s a villainous character or the hero, drinking is rarely glorified in films. This habit is glorified in music videos, and if anything has to be banned it is them. However, even if it is proved that films are indeed affecting the drinking pattern of the people, no step should be taken towards any ban in films without the collective opinion of filmmakers.

The honorable health minister first spoke of a ban on smoking, then on chips and now it is drinking. It appears to be a way of white-washing the failure of tackling other state-run health services and serious issues like pesticides in fruit and vegetables, and the rampant manufacture of fake medicines. At least a person who watches films can decide whether he wants to pick up a habit like smoking or drinking. What about patients who can lose their lives because of being administrated fake medicines? Instead of showing concern over film actors being shown consuming liquor, it is these issues which need to be tackled on a priority basis.