[tgs]

Smoking scenes in films: Ban may be diluted :
THE Health Ministry's proposal to disallow advertising of brand
extensions could come as a blow to companies promoting products such
as apparel, greeting cards or bravery awards using tobacco brand
names.
According to highly placed sources, the Government wants to stop
tobacco companies from indulging in any kind of surrogate
advertising. "It is being proposed that the ban on advertising of
tobacco products be extended to these products or services as well.
Also, the colours or logo used by the tobacco brand cannot be used
in brand extensions," they said.
To discourage people from smoking, the Health Ministry is keen that
leading characters in films and television serials do not smoke on
screen. A study conducted earlier by the World Health Organisation
had indicated that 76 per cent of Indian films showed actors and
actresses puffing away. WHO had urged the film industry to stop
showing such scenes, as they had a negative influence on children?
Since then, the Ministry has held meetings with officials of the
Censor Board and representatives of television channels. "We are
planning to prohibit showing any character in film or television
from using or displaying any tobacco product. In the case of older
movies or television shows with smoking scenes, a warning message
like `Use of tobacco is injurious to health' should appear,
highlighting the harmful effects of tobacco consumption," the
sources said.

The Central Government of Chennai's decision to ban depiction of
smoking in films has evoked mixed reactions from film personalities.
While many are not sure of what exactly the ban amounts to, some
others have welcomed the decision. Some cine stars talk :
· Ultimate Star Ajit’s ‘Attagasam’ has started by a quotation
: “Cigarette smoking is injourious to the health” by Ajith himself
and tells that he is going to reduce smoking on screens. His Latest
film ‘Ji’ didn’t show him smoking.
· Filmmaker Gautham asks: "What if I show a character smoking
and also show that he dies four scenes later because of smoking? Am
I not allowed to do that? I think it's okay as long as one does not
glorify smoking. What if I, like Ram Gopal Varma says: Whenever I
show characters like gangsters, I also show how they die. Films are
just meant to be watched and talked out, it's about entertainment.
You feel good and take it back home." In`Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu.' (
his latest film ) "A couple of main characters smoke in the film,
but not Kamal. But then, it's not a big deal. I can take it out if
it has to removed"
· Many actors already have made it a point not to smoke on
screen. Kamal Haasan has for long maintained a strict policy of not
smoking on screen. Even the Superstar, known for his antics with the
cigarette, has now rewritten his style-statements with branded
bubblegum and biscuits in `Chandramukhi.'
· While Madhavan ensures that the director has a good enough
reason to make him smoke, Suriya quit smoking on screen a few films
ago, after he took a vow in public at a function. "I don't remember
what function that was, but since I promised, I stuck to it. I
haven't smoked in `Aayitha Ezhuthu, `Peralagan,' `Maayavi' or even
`Gajini'. I think it is a good move to ban smoking scenes. Because
as actors, we do have a social responsibility and I already feel bad
about the damage I've caused by smoking in my earlier films," he
says.
· Film theory expert and director Hariharan, however, says:
"It is ridiculous, absurd and simplistic to believe that cinema is
responsible for habits. People were smoking even before the movies
came. The cigarette is an expression of depression or portrayal of
character and smoking is just a dramatic gesture." "After having
smoked in many films, how can I talk about this or tell people not
to smoke," a top Tamil star says, almost embarrassed. Unsure of what
stand to take, most technicians and actors have decided to let their
unions speak on the issue. A formal reaction from the film industry
is expected soon.



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