I was genuinely shocked listening to producer Naga Vamshi speak at the Epic pre-release event. I kept wondering what kind of cultural context he was coming from when he described the film as something families could comfortably watch together.
I watched the teaser and trailer of Epic, and I noticed several adult-oriented elements. There is a conversation about a girl’s menstrual date, intimate situations involving a bed and other suggestive content. I have absolutely no problem with filmmakers showing such material.
My only expectation is that the film should be marketed honestly. If it is an adult-oriented or youth-targeted film, say so. Audiences are mature enough to understand and make their own decisions. But calling such a film a family entertainer is where I have a problem.
At the event, Naga Vamshi reportedly said, “Just because we have shown a kiss in the trailer, don’t think this is an adult film. It is a family film.” I found that statement extremely difficult to understand.
What exactly does a family film mean here? How can some of the scenes shown in the trailer be comfortably watched by everyone sitting together with their mothers, daughters or other family members?
He reportedly went a step further and said, “Take your mother along and watch it. You will definitely enjoy the movie.” Honestly, what was he thinking when he said that?
I am not questioning anyone’s right to watch the film. It has an A certificate, and anyone above 18 is ‘legally’ entitled to watch it. My point is about the ‘social context’ of watching and marketing such content.
There was another moment that made his comments even more contradictory. From the same stage, he reportedly said that certain things should not be discussed at a public event because ladies were present.
If he is conscious of social sensitivity on a public stage, why encourage families to take their mothers and daughters to watch a film containing adult-oriented scenes?
Actor Shivaji’s reaction also caught my attention. He reportedly said that he felt uncomfortable hearing some of the words used in the trailer. That is significant because he is himself part of the film.
I remember how Shivaji once faced public criticism for using a particular word while trying to convey a message. So when even an actor associated with the film expresses discomfort about certain dialogue, I think the issue deserves some thought.
There is nothing wrong with making an adult film. Filmmakers should have the freedom to explore mature subjects, relationships, intimacy and other themes meant for adult audiences.
But freedom in filmmaking should also come with honesty in marketing. An A-certified film does not suddenly become a family film simply because the producer wants to reach a larger audience.
There is also a difference between saying that adults can watch a film and saying that families should sit together and watch it. Legally, the former may be perfectly valid. Socially, the latter can be an entirely different experience.
That distinction seems to have been missed in the way Epic is being promoted. If the film contains mature content, there is absolutely no shame in saying so. Audiences can decide for themselves.
For me, the biggest disappointment is therefore not the adult content in Epic. It is the way that content is being packaged and sold.
My message to Naga Vamshi is simple. If it is an adult film, call it an adult film. There is no need to dress it up as a family entertainer.