Saurabh Shukla: Innocence in Kids' Films Has Evolved, Not Disappeared

Actor-filmmaker Saurabh Shukla refutes the notion that innocence has disappeared from children's cinema, attributing the change to evolving societal psychology. He argues that while kids today are exposed to far more information, it doesn't equate to a loss of innocence. Shukla cites classic films like "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke" and "Taare Zameen Par" as products of their time. He recently directed "Jab Khuli Kitaab," an OTT film adaptation of his play starring Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia.

Key Points: Saurabh Shukla on Evolution of Children's Cinema

  • Child psychology has changed with society
  • Kids are exposed to more information today
  • Innocence in cinema has evolved, not disappeared
  • Films like Taare Zameen Par defined earlier eras
2 min read

Saurabh Shukla on lack of kids' films: Innocence hasn't disappeared

Actor-filmmaker Saurabh Shukla argues innocence in kids' films hasn't vanished but evolved with society's changing psychology.

Saurabh Shukla on lack of kids' films: Innocence hasn't disappeared
"No innocence is lost. - Saurabh Shukla"

Mumbai, April 1

Actor-filmmaker Saurabh Shukla has weighed in on the debate around the lack of films for children in today's cinema, asserting that it has not disappeared but rather evolved with changing times and societal shifts.

Addressing concerns about the reduced number of films catering to children, Saurabh explained that what audiences perceive as "innocence" is closely tied to the psychology of a particular era.

Talking about Bollywood earlier catering to children with films such as Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Makdee, Bhoothnath, Bhooth Uncle, Taare Zameen Par and Stanley Ka Dabba, has the industry today lost its innocence, given the apparent dearth of films in this genre?

"No, who says that?," Saurabh told IANS.

Addressing concerns about the reduced number of films catering to children, Shukla explained that what audiences perceive as "innocence" is closely tied to the psychology of a particular era.

"There was a child psychology... Whereas, the child psychology now, as a society, has changed... It's a changing society," he added.

"So it's not like that. No innocence is lost."

The actor further noted that while children today are exposed to far more information due to the digital age, it does not mean innocence has vanished.

"Yes, of course. We are in an information age and kids are exposed to much more than what we were exposed to. But that's how life is. It'll go on like that."

Saurabh recently directed "Jab Khuli Kitaab," which released on OTT.

The film follows the story of an old couple, Gopal and Anusuya, and their decades-long marriage, which is upended by a revelation. As secrets emerge, the family navigates emotions that are both touching and comedic, exploring love, companionship, and forgiveness, and rediscovering one another.

It is a cinematic adaptation of his own stage play of the same name. The film stars Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia as an elderly couple who decide to seek a divorce after 50 years of marriage.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Aman W
Respectfully disagree with Saurabh ji. The market has completely shifted. Producers only want box office hits with stars. Making a thoughtful film for children is seen as a financial risk now. Where are the modern equivalents of Makdee or Stanley Ka Dabba? The innocence in storytelling *has* taken a backseat.
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Rohit P
True! Kids today are smarter and have access to everything on their tablets. You can't make a film pretending the internet doesn't exist. The challenge is to create content that is both innocent *and* relatable to the digital native generation. It's a tough balance.
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Sarah B
As a parent in Mumbai, I find it hard to find good Indian films to watch with my kids. We end up watching Hollywood animations. Would love to see more local stories that capture the magic of childhood in our own context. The OTT space could be perfect for this! 🤞
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Vikram M
It's not just about films for children, but films the *whole family* can enjoy together. Movies like Bhoothnath worked because they had layers for adults too. Today's content is either too childish or has adult themes sneaked in. We need that middle ground back. Good discussion!

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