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‘Backing films like The Kerala Story is essential for filmmakers’ integrity’: Vipul A Shah at Ideas of India Summit 3.0
Mumbai: In a key session at Ideas of India Summit 3.0, Bollywood film producer and director Vipul A Shah who is also known for the much discussed, The Kerala Story, shared his perspective on the changing landscape of Indian entertainment industry. “The rise in political consciousness among Indians has significantly influenced the content of films we make and the stories we tell. Supporting films like ‘Kerala Story’ is important, it speaks to the filmmaker’s integrity and the importance of diverse voices and narratives,” he said.
Vipul Shah, further remarked, ‘As individuals with political leanings, our religious practices should not be misconstrued as communal. It is a fundamental aspect of personal identity.’
On the inaugural day of ABP Network’s flagship event, the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0, celebrated filmmakers shared their views on ‘Anatomy of Art: Are Our Movies Dividing or Uniting Us?’ shedding light on controversial topics and the quest for authenticity in storytelling.
Explaining the complexities within the Indian film industry, Vipul A Shah, expressed, “Despite perceptions of division, the film industry remains a complex ecosystem, where narratives often become politicised. Today, the success of a film hinges not on its controversy, but on its ability to resonate with audiences through genuine, thought-provoking content. Projects like ‘Animal’ challenges societal norms and sparking important discussions. It is through daring, unconventional narratives that we provoke change and global influence.”
Sharing his take on whether polarizing movies are a recent trend, filmmaker, producer and scriptwriter Madhur Bhandarkar remarked, “There is no division in the film industry; it remains unified, despite varied political and non-political leanings. While some artists are open and vocal, others choose discretion, a natural aspect of the industry. My films, like ‘Chandani Bar, Traffic signal etc.,’ have addressed issues like poverty and have always maintained a secular stance. However, my personal political alliance led to sidelining and questioning of my secularism. I am a proud practicing Hindu. Our films consistently promote unity between Hindu and Muslim communities. The success of films like ‘Animal’ has revolutionized industry norms, despite controversies surrounding their content. However, actors often hesitate to endorse politically charged projects due to fear of social media backlash and its repercussions on their careers.”
Known for movies like Parched and OTT series ‘House of Secrets’, Leena Yadav, filmmaker and storyteller, put forth a women’s perspective, stating, “Films cannot be made without politics. The lack of real dialogue between filmmakers is missing, and the social media is creating pressure for people to take action. It is impossible for makers not to include their political bias. Films are driven by commerce, and sentiment-driven cinema is becoming a part of mainstream and social media discussion. There are films with controversial angles which get financing and not all of them are made with conviction.”
The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
