What did Ram Madhvani and Mahaveer Jain discuss at IFFI 2025?

They discussed the power and impact of stories on nation building, exploring themes of cultural values and ancient Indian wisdom in cinema.

How does Indian cinema contribute to nation building?

Filmmakers believe cinema can embed cultural values, reflect national identity, and share ancient wisdom, thereby influencing societal understanding and cohesion.

What is Ram Madhvani's view on the 'tragic hero'?

Ram Madhvani noted the absence of tragic heroes in contemporary cinema and expressed his interest in creating films that evoke catharsis through tragedy.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Cinema's Power: Nation Building Through Stories

Cinema's Power: Nation Building Through Stories

26 Nov

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Summary

Filmmakers discussed cinema's role in shaping national identity.
Indian wisdom and storytelling traditions were highlighted.
The importance of the 'tragic hero' in modern cinema was explored.

Cinema's Power: Nation Building Through Stories

Filmmakers Ram Madhvani and Mahaveer Jain recently convened at the 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa to discuss the significant influence of storytelling on nation-building. Their conversation underscored how Indian epics have historically shaped cultural values, a legacy contemporary creators are urged to carry forward by weaving these principles into their films. The session emphasized cinema's potential to entertain while also serving as a conduit for national identity and understanding.

Mahaveer Jain highlighted the importance of disseminating India's ancient wisdom globally through the entertainment medium, suggesting it holds solutions for many contemporary challenges. Ram Madhvani shared his artistic inclination towards the 'tragic hero,' a figure he believes has been neglected in favor of action and romantic archetypes. He expressed a desire to create films that evoke catharsis and emotional release in audiences, drawing parallels to impactful spiritual cinema.