Warning: Cigarette Smoke is Injurious to Health

Example of a disclaimer one might see at the beginning of an Indian film

Oftentimes when I watch Indian films that include scenes in which characters are seen drinking, smoking, or ingesting other similar substances, there are little disclaimers present at the bottom of the screen that warn against the dangers of partaking in these vices. These disclaimers are present in films originating from most of the Indian film industries, and directors have been mandated to incorporate these warnings in their films in any scene depicting the consumption of these substances. Initially, I thought that this was an interesting initiative that the government decided to implement given that India does have its fair share of smokers and heavy drinkers; however, I soon found myself irritated at the frequency in which these labels were being incorporated. At first,showing it no more than a few times made sense to me; after further reconsideration, however, is it really necessary at all to implement these disclaimers?

People don’t need to be reminded of the dangers and risks associated with consuming illicit substances while watching films. They are there to be entertained and to have a good time. If the government really wants to take some serious steps towards reducing the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, they should invest their time and efforts into developing workshops targeted towards educating the public about the different substances that exist and their potential for abuse. The government doesn’t have the right to dictate what is acceptable and unacceptable for individuals to consume; it can only establish guidelines and provide clear-cut, unbiased information about each drug. Education is power, and individuals will start viewing these substances with more caution before choosing to indulge in them instead of being conditioned to believe that all these substances are simply dangerous and terrible. 

Furthermore, it is possible that the display of these disclaimers could harm the creative potential that directors and screenwriters utilize towards future projects that they pursue. Negative public opinion towards the use of substances in films will force those working in the film industry to craft projects that cater towards the socially constructed view of acceptable film-making that the government desires, a distortion of what reality is really like. Using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs is something that is omnipresent in most communities; depicting those engaging in these vices is an act of simply showcasing what reality is like. Other more offbeat, gritty films that contain characters who willfully engage in these vices will be viewed as unacceptable and “corrupting” to present-day society; cinematic elements such as the level of character development and creativity present in the screenplay will likely be left unappreciated. I sincerely hope that these disclaimers and warnings are eradicated in the future, but it’s going to take a long time before any serious action is taken.