A scene from ‘The Post’
National Press Day (November 16) was last week, and, as an entertainment journalist, I decided to base this column on a topic that is as personal as it is relevant – journalism and films on journalists. The evolution of journalism over the past 100-odd years has been charted thanks to pop culture, and the lives and work of journalists have produced a wealth of memorable cinema.
Before we get into biopics and fantasy films, let’s start with a mixture of the two – films based on real-life events. Often cited as the greatest film ever made, Orson Welles’ citizen Kane Based on the life of William Randolph Hearst, who developed America’s largest newspaper chain and media company and is notorious for employing yellow journalism.
Possibly one of the most famous Indian films with a journalist at its center no one killed jessica Which is a recap of the Jessica Lal murder case. Hansal Mehta’s Scoop Based on the biographical memoir by journalist Jigna Vora Behind bars in Byculla: My days in jail In which he shared his experience of being falsely accused.
A view from the scoop Photo Credit: Manpreet Singh Virk/Netflix
As far as fantasy stories are concerned, photojournalist-turned-filmmaker KV Anand’s Tamil film is his personal favourite. To which was also about a photojournalistHis Kavan It was about the use of sensationalism by television networks to gain TRP. Shankar’s cult classic Mudhalvan It was about a TV journalist meeting the Chief Minister of the state.
Over the years, the portrayal of journalists on screen has been either quintessential heroes whose pen was mightier than the sword or villains whose moral failings made storylines questionable.
Still, we have had movies that have been excellent. For example, Mammootty and Mohanlal acted as media personnel New Delhi And run Baby Run Respectively. In this hit film, Suresh Gopi played the role of a newspaper associate editor. PathramWhereas Konkana Sen Sharma page 3 It was about tabloid culture, 2022 Jalsha It stars Vidya Balan as a high-strung journalist who unknowingly commits a crime. Kabir Khan’s experiences in Afghanistan sowed the seeds of Kabul Express (2006). Shahrukh Khan and Juhi Chawla play journalists for rival news channels in cult satire Still my heart is Indian,
From Hollywood, Aaron Sorkin newsroomTom McCarthy’s spotlight, steven spielberg’s PostAlan J Pakula’s all the president’s men and Sidney Lumet’s network The gold standard of the genre. i love too Frost/Nixon, Based on a conversation between former US President Richard Nixon and British journalist David Frost, which was also an inspiration Mudhalvan.
A scene from ‘Writing with Fire’
closer to home, writing with fireThe documentary, about journalists who run a newspaper led by Dalit women, became the first Indian feature documentary to be nominated for an Academy Award. Hansal Mehta’s scam 1992 It was based on the Indian stock market scam of 1992. Shreya Dhanwantri played the role of journalist Sucheta Dalal in the acclaimed series.
From The Hindu Cinema Team, a fortnightly column that recommends films and shows associated with a mood, theme or pop culture event.
published – November 22, 2024 03:16 PM IST
