Digital age movie piracy on the rise

Piracy a pain for the producers and pleasure for millions.

Movies explore the edges of human emotion, freeze culture and are the cornerstone of creativity. Piracy is strictly thieving this creativity. The lure to download movies illegally is alluring because of the developing internet technology in India .Though efforts are being put forth by the officials an attitude change is the only way to curb pirated CDs and illegal movie downloads from Internet.

 The increasing ease of downloading movies, through broadband and compression technologies, along with high movie ticket prices, and wide film availability online are core factors driving consumers to download. Reports place India as the fourth largest global hub of online film piracy, behind United States, Britain and Canada. It estimates that Vishal Bhardwaj’s Kaminey, was downloaded 350,000 times within few days of its release.

January 4, 2010 was a way post in the history of Tamil movies. Jaggubai the 15 core mega project of Sarathkumar was made available on the net even before its release.

"Movie piracy is not just a secret crime of some unscrupulous elements. It is a white collar crime and has its roots within the industry” says Mr. Rajinikanth, a lead actor of south Indian film industry. 

Chennai being the major port, the wholesale market flourishes here. Tamil Film Producers' president Ramanarayanan admits that parts of piracy trade have their roots in Chennai.

Reports claim that as much as Rs.50 cores and as many as 100,000 jobs are lost as a result of piracy every year. However the industry is learning to fight back against piracy. While the problem cannot be completely eradicated, they are taking steps to make sure that the industry doesn’t die out. 

Tamil Nadu was the first state to include video piracy in the Goondas Act as early as in 2004. The Government also took pro-active steps in sanctioning 49,225 posts of additional police. And has a separate Video Piracy Cell functioning under the Additional Director General of police Mr. Munzni.

The only word which is killing the whole industry in terms of revenue, employment and creativity is "piracy". The unscrupulous act of piracy definitely demands condemnation of the highest. 

“A uniform law across the country is essential to stop the illegal business,” said Chennai Theatre Owners’ Association president Abirami Ramanathan.

Sexual harassment at work is complex and highly subjective.

Unwelcome sexual behavior, hazards the life of young women in the film world.

Film industry has now become a minefield for sexual harassment of young women. The foremen having control over his workers demands sexual favor in returning for granting them official favors or else they are either not given the job or removed from the job. These make village belles and women from hapless families to accept this unwelcome sexually determined behavior.

At Koyambedu, Chennai’s main terminal, starry-eyed young girls arrive daily from distant small towns with hopes of becoming movie stars. They come from all over Tamil Nadu and from other neighbouring states. Their destination is 6 km away at Kodambakam, the hub of Tamil cinema. The untold, inside story of Kodambakkam is the plight of hundreds of women who failed to get their big break and fall into their male colleagues’ ‘sex-trap’ in order to get regular work.

“Having to work mostly with male counterparts, we are forced to put up with the groping hands of make-up men and costumers. Freshers need to please them first if they want to get regular work.” says Vani, a junior artiste.

Researches prove that Women with casual jobs are up to 10 times more likely experience unwanted sexual advances. Sexual Harassment affects all women in the industry in some form or the other. These grievous committed by acquaintances or men in positions of institutional power leads to the increase in the rate of suicides and loss of jobs by young women.

Sexual Harassment of women at work place within the industry is an extension of violence in everyday life and is discriminatory, thriving in atmosphere of threat. 

Actress Revathi says "The industry has to strongly address the issue of alleged sexual harassment of junior artistes. There should be a counseling cell for women to register their complaints”

The survey of the Gender Study Group shows that most women felt disgusted, insulted and scared by any sort of harassment hence such sensitive issues has to be systematically tackled.

REDEFINING CURLS AND FLAPS EMPLOYING OF LATE TRENDS

Mid Layered Hair Styles to project her strong yet feminine

      Beauty is not only skin-deep. The silky wave fluxing over her arms paired with the dawn makes her a complete diva. Tresses are more important for the visual impression of women and not only are the right style is important but the right color can greatly change the appearance as well. 

Women from all over the world discern in for different styles and shading to express their individuality. 

The current trend being the medium hair style, they are promoted both by celebs as well as hair stylists. Changing the color of the hair is as vital as changing the length or style, which is why it is important to first determine which shades beseems better. This season’s hair color is about the individual projecting her own style, moving away from monochrome and into natural tones.

     A midi hair style which suits the looks and lifestyle of a woman can dramatically change the way she feels and look. Those who long for a versatile and on-trend look turn towards arty and polished midi layered hairstyles. 

“They suit all hair types from curly to super-sleek. Paring midi cuts with curls would bring out the style puss” says Prathana kumar. 

To show off a bold new look, these flair styling has to be twined with those spellbinding hair colors. Season’s Hair Color Trends include rich shades of brown, honey blonds and natural looking shades of red.

“Highlights are more natural looking and blend seamlessly. However, highlights in bold and colorful shades are preferred when it’s about making statements” says Vikram Mohan, Director, Bounce style longue.

     Hair trends vary so quickly, it can be a challenge keeping up on the latest hair styles.Not only it tells about ones character, it balances the body, frames face and complements clothes and lifestyle. 

A really professional hairstyle is a valuable investment, because it will make you feel good as well as look good.

CENSORSHIP HOLDS CREATIVITY BACK FROM COMPLETE FRE...

Censorship codes stamp down creativity confusing reality with illusion

The film censorship movement began from the moment the Motion pictures were discovered to show images that might not be suitable for all ages and all lifestyles. This censorship codes went far beyond simply proscribing nudity and swearing in films; it basically attempts to impose an entire fabric of principles on movie-makers. These codes and terms getting worse in India hampers movie makers in trialing their theories.

Censorship in India mainly targets religious issues, however any activity that involves public show of screen violence, sex, crime and subjects that are considered politically subversive is illegal and attracts several penal provisions. Besides it is not just the content of film that is regulated, with all areas of film culture coming under scrutiny. This ranges from the granting of license to permitted modes of promotion, publicity, the content and nature of posters and trailers and the suitability of associated toys. Thus on the whole these censorship codes influence and suppress the creativity of a large number of film makers in India.

Film censors tend to see themselves as classifiers, administering certificates that aim to control the type of audience that sees a particular movie. Many controversial and revolutionary films have been banned by censorship bodies or state authorities, a classic example being 'Gulabi Aaina ',  

A film on Indian transsexuals directed by Sridhar Rangayan, was banned by the censor board citing that the film is 'vulgar and offensive'. The filmmaker appealed twice and was unsuccessful. This film still remains banned in India, but has been screened at numerous festivals all over the world and won awards. The critics have applauded it for its 'sensitive and touching portrayal of marginalized community'.

Censorship in any form is the enemy of creativity, since it cuts off the life blood of creative ideas.” Says Allan Jenkins .Censorship at times can be referred to as the suppression of knowledge or ideas. A good number of disputative movies from India are being banned and are still under probe. Though film censorship becomes necessary as films motivate thought and action and assures a high degree of attention and retention as compared to the printed word. 

Sensible "Freedom of expression of thoughts” should be plied to the film makers, thus framing a path for The Indian movies compete worldwide.