Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken a jibe at Indian films that portray criminals and villains in a heroic fashion, saying that it has ‘spoiled’ generations of India as they consider dacoits and criminals as role models. The CM called upon filmmakers to produce content that inspires society, cautioning against glorifying negative characters.
Yogi Adityanath on cinema glorifying villains
On Friday, CM Adityanath addressed a cultural event in Varanasi based on the life of Emperor Vikramaditya. Speaking at the grand theatrical presentation, the chief minister said, “There was a time when noble characters were portrayed as villains, and villains were projected as heroes through films. What was the result? Generations were getting spoiled. People lost their voice against injustice, oppression and exploitation because such ideals were not presented before the younger generation.”
The CM said the cinema has a responsibility to shape societal values, urging filmmakers not to glorify villains. “I urge film directors and producers to make films that can inspire the present generation. If you present a dacoit as a hero, the youth will start considering that dacoit as their role model. Remember, never portray a dacoit as a hero.”
Adityanath added that Indian cinema has historically played a positive role when it reflected the country’s ideals, but cautioned: “Whatever is presented to the current generation will shape them in the same manner.”
Yogi Adityanath was accompanied by the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, at the event.
Anti-heroes in Indian cinema
Adityanath’s remark was aimed at the tradition of anti-heroes in Indian cinema, borrowed from both global films and India’s local storytelling traditions. In the past, films like Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Bandit Queen, Paan Singh Tomar, and Sonchiriya have depicted bandits and dacoits in a favourable or sympathetic light. Gangster films have also copped criticism for allegedly glorifying killers and gangsters.
However, filmmakers have argued that mere stylised depiction cannot be considered glorification.
The trend and concern are not limited to India alone. Last year, while accepting a Writers’ Guild honour, writer Vince Gilligan, creator of Breaking Bad, had said, “I think I’d rather be celebrated for creating someone a bit more inspiring. In 2025, it’s time to say that out loud, because we are living in an era where bad guys, the real-life kind, are running amok. Bad guys who make their own rules, bad guys who, no matter what they tell you, are really out for themselves.”
