Veteran actor Rajit Kapur has voiced serious concerns about the growing trend of short-form videos and reels, stating they are damaging audience attention spans and creative expression. He shared these views during a candid conversation at the Koshala Literature Festival in Lucknow on Saturday.
The Dangers of Short-Form Content
During the session titled 'Chalchitra aur Samaaj' with Nishi Pandey, Kapur revealed that the current trend of reels and short videos literally frightens him. He emphasized that this format prevents audiences from developing a nuanced understanding of subjects or characters, ultimately resulting in attention deficit that can severely impact creativity.
The acclaimed actor expressed his personal discomfort with social media platforms, despite regular reminders from his management team to promote his films. "I either forget, or I feel awkward. I don't know what to write — 'Please watch my film' — it feels strange," Kapur confessed about his reluctance to engage with digital promotion.
Perspective on OTT Censorship and Iconic Roles
When questioned about potential government censorship norms for OTT platforms, Kapur described it as a complex debate with valid arguments on both sides. While stating he doesn't believe in censorship, he acknowledged parental concerns about content accessibility for young children.
Reflecting on his distinguished career, Kapur identified his portrayals of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Sardar Patel as his most defining roles. Each character carried enormous responsibility due to their significant public legacy, with Gandhi being particularly challenging as it demanded profound physical and emotional transformation.
His performances as Nehru in 'Rocket Boys' and Patel in a Doordarshan series required extensive work on voice modulation and speech rhythm. Among his contemporary work, Kapur described 'Raazi' as one of his most fulfilling films and credited the 'Uri' editing team for shaping the film's emotional power during post-production.
Broader Implications for Storytelling
Kapur emphasized that the shift toward shorter content formats prevents audiences from fully engaging with deeper storytelling techniques and character development. This fundamental change in consumption patterns represents a significant challenge for creators committed to substantial narrative experiences.
The session at the Koshala Literature Festival highlighted growing concerns within the artistic community about how digital consumption habits are reshaping audience expectations and the very nature of creative expression in contemporary media landscapes.
