Filmmakers facing dearth of stories take real life incidents: Hassan

Tamil superstar Kamal Hassan has defended the depiction of violence in movies saying that it is real life incidents highlighted in the media that is inspiring filmmakers.

"We have a dearth of stories and (therefore) look to society. Content, such as blood and gore come from news...that is people. There is more violence in news than in cinema," Kamal Hassan, who celebrated his 50 years in the film industry this year, told reporters here.

"It all comes from people—the content—violence or romance or whatever," he said adding "people know where to stop" while watching films.

The 55-year-old actor was reacting to reporters' queries on the Madras High Court chastising some students charged with using cellphones in exam halls to get answers through SMS and whether the inspiration came from cinema.

In his superhit Tamil film Vasool Raja MBBS, a remake of Sanjay Dutt-starrer Munna Bhai MBBS, Hassan's character uses a cellphone to cheat and pass in medical exams.

The actor was announcing a FICCI-sponsored "FICCI Frames 2009- Media and Entertainment Business Conclave" in his capacity as its chairman.

Among others, veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra, renowned actors Mammootty, Mohan Lal and director Karan Johar are scheduled to participate.

To a query, the tech-savvy professional said cinema going digital was the "biggest" technical change today.

"The fact that cinema is going digital is the biggest technical change today. We have to accept it as it is happening globally and it will happen in Tamil Nadu also," said Hassan, who shot his home production Mumbai Express on a digital camera.

The 55-year-old actor defended his decision to take long breaks between projects saying that he too could do three projects a year like Hollywood star Brad Pitt, as "that will show my efficiency."

In a light-hearted reply to the need for more acting schools, Hassan, a National Award winner said, "Even I didn't know to act (in the early days). It was (iconic director and his mentor) K Balachander who taught me acting."

The FICCI Frames 2009 will be inaugurated by chief minister M Karunanidhi and would aim at showcasing Indian cinema at a global level.