Tue Mar 04 13:15:30 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Film Industry Pushes Back Against Blame for Youth Violence

**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, March 4, 2025** – The Kerala film industry is rejecting claims that it is solely responsible for a recent surge in youth violence in the state. Following a Kerala State Assembly discussion on rising crime rates, including drug abuse among minors, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) Directors’ Union issued a statement denouncing accusations leveled by politicians, police, psychologists, and media commentators as “simplistic, absurd, and unfounded.”

While some films, such as *Marco*, depicting extreme violence, have drawn criticism, and police have noted similarities between certain crimes and film depictions, the union argues that cinema reflects society, not the other way around. They cite the popularity of violent Korean and Japanese media in Kerala, contrasting this with Japan’s low crime rate, highlighting the importance of social factors like economic security and social support systems in preventing violence.

The union points out the hypocrisy of criticizing certain films for violence while ignoring others, referencing popular films that included drug-related content. They acknowledge the need for responsible depiction of violence but warn against using the current debate to justify increased censorship, likening such calls to fascism and citing acclaimed directors like Quentin Tarantino and Michael Haneke as examples of filmmakers who depict violence without causing widespread societal harm. The FEFKA Directors’ Union asserts that a multi-faceted approach addressing systemic issues is needed, rather than solely blaming the film industry.

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