Lucknow: With issues like caste, religion, reservation, and regionalism becoming its main focus, democracy today has become flawed and is focused only on gathering numbers, said film director Prakash Jha on Sunday.
He was speaking at the literary festival Metaphor during a session on ‘Political Films and their evolution in Indian cinema'.
Jha said that politics is everywhere, and the stories in his films naturally reflect social and political issues. He added, "I am primarily a storyteller, and social topics come through in my stories. Power and authority often lead to wrongdoing, so I prefer standing with the opposition."
Sharing his thoughts on reservations, he said that they are not reaching the right people and need to be improved. Talking about cinema, he explained that it does not support or oppose any govt. Reflecting on parallel cinema, he remarked, "Parallel cinema was fearless and truthful. Today, people are quick to judge instead of thinking and understanding."
Jha, who is known for the popular web series Aashram, expressed his preference for films over OTT platforms. He said, "A film script is about 150 pages, but for a web series, you need over 400 pages, which can be tiring."
Speaking about his personal life, Jha shared that his father was the first graduate in their village. He himself joined Delhi University for studies but could not complete it. "I still wish to graduate someday," he said.
According to him, cinema reflects society, and his films naturally address issues like caste, gender inequality, corruption, and education. His movie Damul, inspired by the abolition of bonded labor in 1976, highlighted exploitation and injustice.
Jha also expressed concern about growing inequality in society. He said that the gap between the rich and the poor is widening. While the poor struggle for survival, the rich remain greedy. His films, such as Chakravyuh and Aarakshan, highlight these inequalities and struggles.
Regarding reservations, Jha noted that it is a complex issue with divided opinions—some want it removed, while others support it. He concluded by emphasizing that reducing inequality in education, land, wealth, and rights is crucial for society. "My art reflects my experiences, social change, and politics. Every story carries deep thought and truth," he said.