3rd August 2023,Mumbai: Karan Johar’s New Romantic Comedy Sparks a Debate
Karan Johar’s latest cinematic offering, “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” presents an intriguing narrative twist – Dharmendra’s character, Kawal, romances Shabana Azmi’s Jamini, despite being married to Jaya Bachchan’s role. This cinematic decision has ignited a spirited debate on Reddit about the movie’s stance on adultery.
The Trigger: A Tweet Sparks the Controversy
A Reddit user’s tweet, featuring a still from the film, denounced Karan Johar’s alleged obsession with infidelity and condemned the movie for allegedly justifying adultery. The tweet’s strong stance against cheating led to the inception of the discussion, with users divided on whether the film indeed glorifies or merely portrays infidelity.
Debating the Moral Quandary
A Reddit thread emerged titled ‘Can we stop normalizing adultery?’ as users grappled with the ethics of showcasing adultery in movies. Some argued that the film normalized cheating, while others pointed out that the portrayal of abuse, both emotional and mental, often takes a backseat in discussions about marriages.
Complex Character Portrayals in Question
Opinions diverged on whether Karan Johar’s films perpetuate justifications for adultery. While some users cited instances from Johar’s filmography that seemingly endorsed cheating, others highlighted the complexity of characters in “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.” They argued that the movie’s depiction of an abusive marriage added layers of empathy and context to the narrative.
Analyzing Zoya Akhtar’s Stance
The discussion also veered towards Zoya Akhtar’s films and their portrayal of adultery. A user scrutinized whether Zoya Akhtar truly justified cheating in her works, prompting a comparison of characters and their moral trajectories. The debate underscored the varying perspectives on infidelity in different cinematic narratives.
The Abusive Environments and Justification
A significant point raised was that both Kawal’s and Jamini’s marriages were fraught with abuse. Users delved into the depiction of abusive households and how it shaped the characters’ decisions. The abusive context was seen as crucial in understanding their actions and decisions regarding their relationships.
Challenging the Normalization of Toxic Marriages
Several users criticized the normalization of toxic marriages in cinema. They expressed concern about the portrayal of unhappy marriages becoming commonplace and argued that such normalization could hinder people from leaving toxic relationships, especially in conservative societies.
Art vs. Reality: Addressing Impact
The conversation also touched on the broader influence of cinema on society. Users debated whether watching a film could inspire individuals to commit adultery or if it was merely a reflection of real-life complexities. The distinction between art’s portrayal and real-world consequences was a central point of contention.
Moral Policing and Consent
The debate expanded to moral policing and its implications. Some participants argued that moral policing, driven by societal norms, can be more detrimental than addressing adultery in movies. The discussion encompassed the legal aspect of adultery and its changing perceptions over time.
Art, Morality, and the Ongoing Dialogue
Karan Johar’s “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” undoubtedly sparked a heated discussion on Reddit about the portrayal of adultery in cinema. The debate delved into the film’s moral compass, its treatment of abusive relationships, and the potential consequences of normalizing such narratives. Ultimately, the discourse highlights the complex interplay between art, morality, and society’s evolving perspectives.
-by Kashvi Gala