R. Balki Delivers Satyajit Ray Memorial Lecture at KIFF: Raises Concerns Over the Decline of Cinema

Kolkata – Renowned filmmaker R. Balki delivered a powerful critique of contemporary cinema at the Satyajit Ray Memorial Lecture during the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF). Balki, known for films like Chini Kum, Paa, and Padman, lamented the deterioration of cinematic quality over the decades, echoing a sentiment voiced by Satyajit Ray nearly six decades ago in his film Nayak.

Referencing Ray’s character Haren Bose, who remarked, “We have not yet learned to worry about quality. Our motto is ‘Produce More and Produce Rubbish,’” Balki said that the state of cinema has worsened in 2024. “Not rubbish, but in the name of cinema, the audience is being fed garbage,” he stated, adding that the industry prioritizes commercial success over artistic merit.

In his lecture titled “Let Me Die Before Cinema Dies,” Balki drew parallels between the ongoing environmental crisis and the cultural decline of cinema. “Cinema is also dying along with the environment. Yet many people are worried about the ills of the environment, but no one is particularly concerned about the dying cinema,” he said. Balki expressed doubts about how long cinema, as a creative art form, will survive, noting that Satyajit Ray was fortunate not to witness its current state.

Balki criticized the growing obsession with box office numbers as the sole measure of a film’s worth. He argued that many commercially successful films are of “poor quality and unwatchable.” He observed that aggressive promotion tactics often mislead audiences into watching subpar films. “The audience may not feel good after watching the film, but by then the purpose of the promotion is achieved. Watching such films does not create an appetite for good films,” he said.

Instead, Balki called for films that challenge and engage audiences, encouraging them to explore more meaningful cinema.

Balki’s lecture served as a wake-up call for filmmakers, producers, and audiences alike, urging them to prioritize quality and creativity over profits and promotional gimmicks. His impassioned speech at KIFF not only honored Satyajit Ray’s legacy but also sparked a vital conversation about the future of cinema.

The Kolkata International Film Festival, a hub for thought-provoking dialogue and cinematic celebration, continues to host luminaries like Balki who challenge the industry to evolve and improve.