If Soufle opens to fuller houses in the same theatre as Lagaan, it's because the success of Lagaan has heightened the awareness of Indian films thus creating a higher curiosity level than Lagaan was priviledged with.
I don`t get it why people like Mr. Naveen seem to have a prob with movies like this. What's wrong?
I am not gay but hv a few friends who r and one thing i hv realised that its better to not pretend "straightness" when one is not. Its not worth hiding in a closet and for people like Mr. Naveen to act like an ostrich.
If a film is made, knowledge about such things increases and those who do not know about it will know it and consider it when previously, it was unthinkable. I do not support such movies which through light on such unhealthy subjects.
RE:Unhealthy for society
by Anonymous on Apr 24, 2003 06:25 PM
What? Just because you don't know something, it becomes unhealthy! We live in 21st century and not 10th, to be afraid of what curse will the 'unknown' bring! There're more gay guys in India than most Indians are ready to give credit for. They've always existed and they will continue to exist. Neither you nor me nor anyone else can stop them. Besides think about this one question - so much for worrying someone will become gay watching the movie - with such ignorant, bigoted people who are ready to ostracize and even harm gay guys, who in his/her right mind will 'want' to be gay? Does anyone 'want' to be straight? You either are or you aren't. It is no different for gays as well. For many gay guys it is unfortunately so. And it is unfortunate because of people like you, who are ready to crush anything and anyone out of their very existence merely because they don't represent a section of people that you are comfortable with! One final question - why should you feel so insecure unless you're afraid of 'getting influenced/converted' as you guys put it? (There is no such thing as getting converted here, but thats besides the point!) Treat others the way you want to be treated because you never know how or why anyone might discriminate against you!
RE:Unhealthy for society
by Samir on Apr 24, 2003 07:35 PM
I completely disagree with you Naveen. I think that we should grow up as a society and recognise the differences inherent in it and try to deal with it instead of childishly trying to close our eyes.
RE:Unhealthy for society
by Vishnu on Apr 24, 2003 08:33 PM
Naveen
You seem to think adults can not make decisions for themselves about a personal matter such as their sexuality. Do you think Indians are stupid? Do you act on everything you see on Television or movies.
Your logic is silly and totalitarian. May be you fear that you may act out is entirely yours not others.
RE:Unhealthy for society
by keshav on Apr 24, 2003 09:01 PM
u r either in the wrong time (a few centuries behind the rest of the world) or the wrong place (maybe the vatican is THE place for you).
and the attitude is dictatorial too... take my advice.. join the shiv sena.. u will prosper!
RE:Unhealthy for society
by zeh on Apr 24, 2003 09:46 PM
Nobody cares about what you think since it does not affect your life. Diversity is the spice of life.
RE:Unhealthy for society
by Suzy on Apr 24, 2003 10:12 PM
Aren't you being a bit homophoebic? Whatever happened to freedom of expression, and if you stepped out of your own narrow little world, then maybe you would learn that the world has progressed and there is nothing unhealthy about people being aware and having their own sexual preferences. And even less is wrong with people expressing ideas/thoughts using cinema as a medium, it is up to the individual to be socially responsible and not let cinema dictate how they live.
RE:Unhealthy for society
by ravjot on Apr 24, 2003 11:21 PM
Naveen, exactly how did you work out that logic?? So we are influenced by films? or are films influenced by life? Ive not seen this film but it really is disheartening to know that there are still people out there who will blame films for everything.So much goes on in real life, but because its all happening behind closed doors its makes it alright....yet when a filmmaker tries to shed some light on real issues, audiences behave in a selfish way. Its like "i dont think this is right so no film should be made on this topic"!! Get over it Naveen! Gay is much a reality as straight. Simple. Some choose to acknowledge that and others dont, but that doesnt change the facts. How can cinema possibly evolve when the likes of you dont allow it to?? So you dont agree with homosexuality, cool, thats fine but awareness of a topic doesnt always mean that you will become influenced by the film and change your life to live a character from the big screen does it?? So what if there is a film made with a gay character in?? It doesnt make it a GAY film!!!!
RE:Unhealthy for society
by HONEY BEE on Apr 24, 2003 11:23 PM
"Unhealthy Subjects"
wake up buddy
we're in the twentieth century
its high time even the mainstream movies start focusing on homosexuality, sexual orientation in the society and encourage gay people to come out of the closet.
India needs to wake up to the issue
neglecting Homosexuality is like neglecting the situation of AIDS faced by the country
RE:Unhealthy for society
by Saroni on Apr 25, 2003 10:08 PM
Do you have any idea what u are talking about? Wake and smell the coffee man! This is real life, whether people know about gayism and lesbianism is not the issue, its the reality of it. Even the most illeterate man may be gay, but not show it because he thinks its abnormal, which is more unhealthy to keep it bottled up inside or be honest with yourself?????? Hats off to the indian directors who are attempting to protray real life, so that they can stop us indians from being so hypocritical!!!
RE:Unhealthy for society
by Pranjal on Apr 25, 2003 12:06 AM
Thats where you are wrong. Looks like you can be a little more exposed to this too. The problem is lack of awareness. Please look into gender theories by Serena Nanada, Alan Turring and other scholars. Also if you are more likely to believe hindu scholars consider studying your scriptures in more depth. A natural phenomenon and genetically disposed orientation should not be shunned due to general ignorance in society. I believe this film does a wonderful job in opening eyes afer FIRE. I believe the film medium should be socially enlightening and can do what literacy has failed to do.
RE:Unhealthy for society
by Lavanya on Apr 25, 2003 12:20 AM
A) There is nothing "unhealthy" about homosexuals" They are huma beings like everyone else and have a right to thier own choices. One or more movies about gays will not turn the Indian or any other population into homsexuals and it has been proven that your sexuality is something you are born with. Violence in movies in the other hand might be playing a part in increasing crime rates in our society. I hope this reduces your somewhat misplaced fears.
RE:Unhealthy for society
by To Mr. Blind! on Apr 26, 2003 02:49 AM
You make me laugh. If you think that by not making movies on a particular subject people can escape from the reality, then you gotto be kidding me. I strongly disagree with you and protest that such movies should be made to make people (and that includes kids over the age of 14) aware of the bitter realities of life. There is so much you dont know.
