Mumbai, January 21 (NationPress) - Renowned filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj has come forward to defend the candid usage of slang and ‘gaalis’ (swear words) in films, advocating against their censorship.

During the trailer launch of his forthcoming film O Romeo, Vishal expressed his views on the importance of retaining the authenticity of language in cinema, referring to it as 'poetry' when employed in the right context.

“I believe that gaalis in films should not be muted with ‘beep sounds.’ They should be articulated in their entirety, just as they are meant to be delivered,” Vishal stated.

“As a society, we exhibit a level of hypocrisy. We accept such language in daily life, yet criticize its representation in films, claiming that cinema is corrupting or corrupt. This perception is flawed. Cinema is a reflection of our society, revealing its true nature!” he elaborated.

Vishal further explained, “If there is violence depicted in films, it reflects the violence that exists in our society. Moreover, I perceive a certain form of poetry even in abuses, provided they are used appropriately. So feel free to use them; there’s nothing wrong with that.”

The director also shared how he persuaded the esteemed actress Farida Jalal to incorporate profanity in O Romeo.

“The first thing I informed Farida ji was regarding the use of abusive language in the scene. She wanted to know its severity, and I assured her that the language, regardless of its nature, was essential for the character,” Vishal recounted.

He continued, “The character portrayed by Shahid Kapoor is a figure that instills fear across the city and even in the underworld; however, he is completely submissive in front of his grandmother. She holds the power to control him entirely. That’s the essence of the character, and Farida ji accepted it.”

Praising Farida Jalal’s performance, Vishal remarked, “She delivered her lines with such passion that it went viral. Although we kept her waiting for the shoot, which was quite challenging for her, we are immensely grateful for her involvement in this film.”

Reflecting on the strong women in his life, Vishal shared, “From my childhood memories, I recall the women in my family being exceptionally dominant and strong. I genuinely believe that women possess more strength than men. While men may be quick-tempered, women handle situations with greater calmness and care. I have witnessed their resilience firsthand. In Meerut, when local boys would linger around at night, a shout from my aunt would send them running. That is the strength I have always admired in women.”

Regarding O Romeo, which stars Shahid Kapoor and Tripti Dimri, Vishal described it as “a love story set against a backdrop of violence. It explores the theme of unrequited love and is truly a compelling narrative.”

O Romeo is set to hit theaters on February 13.

–IANS