Ram Gopal Varma Criticizes Traditional Film Institutes, Advocates for Modernization

Renowned Indian Filmmaker Lambasts Outdated Film Education System

Indian filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma (RGV), known for his significant contributions to both mainstream and independent cinema, has recently stirred controversy by denouncing traditional film colleges as obsolete in today’s filmmaking landscape. In an interview with Film Companion, RGV expressed his disdain for the antiquated teaching methods prevalent in these institutions, arguing that they prioritize irrelevant classics such as “Citizen Kane” and “Battleship Potemkin” over more contemporary successes like “Kantara” and “KGF 2.”

Labeling film institutes as fraudulent entities, RGV lamented, “Film institutes are the biggest sham, and I feel sorry for the students who enroll in them.” He specifically singled out the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune, which has been in existence since the 1970s, questioning its effectiveness in nurturing successful careers. While acknowledging a handful of exceptions like Ketan Mehta and Vidhu Vinod Chopra, RGV doubted the institute’s role in their success, stating, “Maybe Ketan Mehta, Vidhu Vinod Chopra… but the institute wouldn’t have taught them.”

Emphasizing the need for modernization, RGV asserted, “If it’s a professional course, it has to be updated to today’s standards. Instead of focusing on outdated classics, students should be taught how to create films like ‘Kantara’ and ‘KGF 2’.” He criticized the curriculum’s emphasis on films with little relevance to contemporary audiences, arguing that it fails to equip aspiring filmmakers with the skills necessary for success in today’s industry.

RGV further illustrated his point by recounting an encounter with aspiring writers from a film institute, challenging them to apply traditional screenplay rules to modern films like “Animal.” He highlighted the evolving nature of filmmaking, noting that in the age of social media and the internet, filmmaking has transitioned from a form of communication to a pure art form. RGV asserted that unconventional talents like Sandeep Vanga, the director of “Arjun Reddy” and “Kabir Singh,” are unlikely to emerge from traditional film institutes, emphasizing the importance of nurturing individual creativity over adherence to outdated conventions.