Prominent Indian actress Radhika Apte has expressed profound distress over the escalating trend of graphic violence and gore being marketed as mainstream entertainment in India. In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, the acclaimed performer stated that the current cinematic landscape is one where she would hesitate to raise a child.
Apte's Candid Critique of 'Violence as Entertainment'
In an interview dated January 4, 2026, Radhika Apte did not mince words about her discomfort. "I feel quite disturbed, and I have to say this openly. I'm deeply disturbed by the violence at the moment that is selling as entertainment," she revealed. The 'Saali Mohabbat' actor linked this directly to her personal life, adding, "I don't want to be bringing up a child in a world where that's entertainment. I just cannot deal with it."
Elaborating on her stance regarding storytelling, Apte argued that explicit brutality often undermines narrative craft. "If I want to tell a story of a man who chopped people, I don't need to see the chopping and the horrible things they are doing to the person. That's not storytelling," she asserted. She emphasized her concern is rooted in the wider societal consequence, noting, "The effect of this on society is so large and I find it deeply upsetting that that's what's selling."
Psychological Impact: What Experts Say About Consuming Violent Content
Counseling psychologist Srishti Vatsa explained that films centered on violence and gore are designed to trigger intense emotional responses. She noted that such content provokes tension, fear, and shock, leading to the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This results in physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate and muscle tension.
Vatsa highlighted a critical disconnect: while our cognitive brain understands the fictional nature of on-screen threats, our body's primal response system often reacts as if the danger is real. "For people with existing anxiety, their stress response might misinterpret the on-screen dangers as real threats," she cautioned, pointing out that long-term exposure can have concerning effects.
Psychologist Juhi Pandey from Mpower detailed the neurological impact, stating that watching gory content can activate the amygdala—the brain's emotion regulation center. This activation releases stress hormones, potentially triggering fear, anxiety, aggression, and even depression. Some individuals experience immediate effects like restlessness and anxiety after viewing such material.
Children and Teens: The Most Vulnerable Audience
Experts unanimously agree that children and teenagers are far more susceptible to the negative impacts of screen violence than adults. Juhi Pandey stressed the importance of being mindful of this influence and seeking help if needed.
Srishti Vatsa explained that a child's brain is still developing the crucial ability to separate fantasy from reality. Consequently, exposure to violent imagery can cause lasting emotional distress and impede healthy development. "Usually in households where TV consumption is a joint activity, even if the parents are fond of watching horror, they will have to be cognizant that this distress can impact the child in the long term," Vatsa advised, warning against assuming a child does not comprehend the content.
The potential outcomes for young viewers are significant and can include:
- Development of anxiety issues and specific fears (e.g., fear of the dark or being alone).
- Desensitization to violence, making aggressive behavior seem more normal.
- Creation of new phobias, with Vatsa citing the example of adults traumatized by films like 'Final Destination' who now fear driving behind trucks carrying logs.
Navigating Content Consumption: Advice for Viewers
For those who choose to watch intense content, Srishti Vatsa offers practical advice for safer consumption. She recommends actively monitoring your emotional and physical state during and after viewing.
"Notice how you feel the following day and the impact on sleep. Know what you can tolerate, decide and set limits to what you are willing to tolerate," she suggests. It is also vital to assess your motivations for watching—whether it's genuine interest or peer pressure—and to prioritize mental well-being. Vatsa also warns against binge-watching such material, especially when one is not in a stable emotional state.
Radhika Apte's powerful comments, combined with expert psychological insights, cast a spotlight on a growing debate within Indian entertainment. The discussion moves beyond cinematic taste to address core issues of mental health, responsible parenting, and the societal impact of the media we consume.
