Beyond the Art Vs Commerce Debate: Celebrating the Diversity of Cinema

As a die-hard film buff and a proud South Indian, I can confidently say that I've seen it all. From the most art house of art films to the biggest commercial blockbusters, I've savored every moment of the cinematic experience. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the thrill of watching a mass entertainer(good) in a packed theater, surrounded by the hooting and hollering of an enthusiastic crowd.

The dictionary says, cinema is simply "a story or event recorded by a camera as a set of moving images and shown in a cinema or on television". Sure, art cinema has - nuanced performances, layered narratives, subtle symbolism - but there's something to be said for the unabashed entertainment value of commercial cinema. Whether it's the adrenaline-pumping action sequences, the catchy dance numbers, or the over-the-top melodrama, these films know how to deliver the goods and leave audiences feeling satisfied.

But that's not to say that commercial cinema is without its flaws, commercial cinema may have some flaws, like problematic representations and stereotyping, but it's changing for the better. We need to start questioning these issues, not the format itself.

And let's not forget the sheer talent and creativity that goes into making these films. From the visionary directors and screenwriters to the charismatic stars and talented technicians, commercial cinema is a testament to the power of collaboration and the magic of the movies.

Whether it's Gautham Menon's hero falling in love with the heroine in slow-mo while flowers rain down on her or Christopher Nolan's protagonist discovering a new planet in the vast expanse of space, I like them both equally.

Cinema is a diverse and multifaceted art form, capable of evoking a wide range of emotions and experiences. Let's celebrate that diversity and embrace all forms of cinema, whether they be highbrow or lowbrow, art or commercial. Because at the end of the day, it's all about the joy of storytelling and the magic of the movies.