New Delhi: Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has reacted to the growing debate over whether violent films influence criminal behaviour, following a shocking chainsaw attack on a schoolgirl in Andhra Pradesh. Defending creative freedom in cinema, the filmmaker said that blaming movies for rising violence is misplaced.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, RGV shared his views on the criticism directed at films featuring extreme violence. “Blaming films for rise in violence is like blaming Ramayana for rise in kidnappings,” he wrote.
His remarks come amid widespread outrage over a shocking incident at a school in Raptadu, in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district. According to preliminary reports, a 21-year-old man identified as Hemanth allegedly entered a Class 10 classroom and attacked a 15-year-old girl with a chainsaw. Another student, Lakshmi, sustained injuries while attempting to protect the victim.
Preliminary police investigations reportedly indicate that the accused, who is said to be a relative of the victim, had allegedly stalked her and attacked her after she rejected his advances. The injured girl is undergoing treatment at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru and was reported to be stable. The accused was traced and taken into custody in Dharmavaram.
‘Animal’ Scene Sparks Fresh Debate
The brutal school attack has reignited criticism of filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film ‘Animal’, starring Ranbir Kapoor. Social media users have particularly drawn attention to a controversial scene in which Ranbir Kapoor’s character enters a school classroom carrying a loaded gun.
Several users have questioned whether films that portray extreme violence as a symbol of masculinity and power could influence young audiences. Some have also criticised filmmakers and actors for allegedly glorifying violent behaviour on screen.
One section of social media users has argued that cinema should be held accountable for the messages it communicates, while others have defended artistic freedom and rejected the idea of directly linking films to real-life crimes.
RGV’s Support for Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Ram Gopal Varma has been a vocal admirer of Sandeep Reddy Vanga and his filmmaking style. Vanga, in turn, has acknowledged RGV’s influence on his approach to cinema.
Against this backdrop, RGV’s latest remarks have attracted attention, particularly as the controversy surrounding ‘Animal’ has resurfaced following the Andhra Pradesh school attack.
His statement has added another dimension to the ongoing debate over cinema, creative freedom, violence and its possible influence on society.
