The case came to light on 18 January when Madhavi's (victim) mother filed a missing person complaint along with her other family members, and thankfully, the Rachakonda police cracked the case the following week. 

Guru Murthy, the husband of Madhavi (the victim) and a former military man, is accused of killing his wife and attempting to destroy the evidence by smashing her bones, cooking her remains in a cooker, and then disposing of them in a nearby river. After 13 years of marriage, the couple had two children. According to the authorities, the "cooker murder case" was carried out graphically, and the offender has yet to express any regret for it. In the early phases of the investigation, he continued to lie and assist the police, and he later covered his tracks by claiming that his wife had fled the house following their altercation. He reportedly confessed to the crime and said that he was inspired to dismember his late wife's body by a movie. It is crucial to talk about the effect violent films have on the general public, even as everyone questions his morals and the different reasons that led him to commit the crime.

This is not the first time cinema has been linked to violent crimes. From copycat killings to meticulously planned heists, movies have often served as a blueprint for criminals.

The Stoneman Murders (1980s): A serial killer in Kolkata bludgeoned homeless people to death with stones. He was allegedly inspired by the 1983 Bollywood film "Khamosh.".

The Uday Chopra Stalking Case (2017): The accused cited films like "Darr" (1993) and "Raanjhanaa" (2013); every other Indian movie is a benchmark script that romanticizes obsessive stalking as inspiration for his actions. The case led to discussions about the normalization of stalking and harassment in Indian cinema.

The Sandalwood Drug Scandal (2020): Several men took inspiration from the hit film "Pushpa 1" to steal the sandalwood. Allegedly heroization of a smuggler caused this crime.

The Nirbhaya Case (2012): The brutal gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi shocked the nation. One of the accused, Mukesh Singh, reportedly claimed that he was influenced by violent and misogynistic portrayals of women in Bollywood films like "Gangs of Wasseypur" (2012).

The Ankit Saxena Murder (2018): A young photographer in Delhi was murdered by the family of his Muslim girlfriend in an alleged honor killing. The perpetrators reportedly cited Bollywood films like "Gadar: Ek Prem Katha" (2001) and "Sadda Haq" (2013), which glorify honor killings and vigilante justice, as justification for their actions.

The Bengaluru Lover’s Murder (2016): A man murdered his girlfriend and attempted to dispose of her body in a suitcase. The accused said that the film "Drishyam" was an inspiration for his actions.

MP double murder 2023: A minor girl and her boyfriend Mukul allegedly killed the girl's father and little brother due to the father disagreeing with their marriage. Mukul allegedly used to watch South Indian action films; they both are said to have planned this murder after watching one such film.

Considering the sheer number of films that objectify women casually in item number songs, we don't need to list them all.

Psychologists argue that the vivid portrayal of violence in films can desensitize individuals, blurring the line between fiction and reality. Filmmakers often defend their work as a reflection of society, but critics argue that they must also consider the potential consequences of glorifying violence. The Hyderabad case raises uncomfortable questions:

Should there be stricter regulations on how violence is portrayed in films? Do filmmakers have a moral responsibility to avoid inspiring real-life crimes?

The murder in Hyderabad serves as a sobering reminder of just how profoundly movies can shape behavior, particularly in a nation like India where they have a major cultural impact. Films that glorify violence, retaliation, and misogyny have long been attacked for normalizing toxic conduct and reinforcing negative stereotypes. Sociologists note that exposure to violent content regularly might normalize excessive behavior and weaken empathy. In a culture where mental health concerns are frequently ignored and people may go to the media for false motivation, this desensitization is especially risky.

Will Crime Rates Decrease if Movies Stop Showing Violence?

While reducing the glorification of violence in films may help, it is unlikely to single-handedly decrease crime rates. Crime is a complex issue influenced by various factors.

• Socioeconomic conditions
• Education and Awareness
• Mental health
• Law enforcement and justice system efficiency
• Cultural and societal norms

Nonetheless, movies have an impact on how people think and act. Society can start to move away from considering such behavior as normal or glamorous by lessening the normalization of crime and violence in movies. As a result, there may be a wider cultural shift that deters criminal activity.

Specific Actions the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) Can Take

Stricter Guidelines for Violent Content:

Introduce clearer guidelines on the depiction of violence, crime, and sensitive topics, ensuring they are not glorified or sensationalized.

Mandatory Disclaimers:

Require filmmakers to include disclaimers and warnings for films that depict violence, crime, or other sensitive content.

Consult Experts:

Collaborate with psychologists, sociologists, and law enforcement officials to evaluate the potential impact of films on audiences.

Age-Appropriate Certification:

Ensure that films with violent or mature content are restricted to appropriate age groups, preventing young audiences from being exposed to harmful material.

Encourage Positive Content:

Provide incentives or recognition for films that promote positive social messages and responsible storytelling.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

Educate audiences about the difference between fiction and reality, emphasizing that the behavior depicted in films should not be replicated in real life.

Although it is not the primary cause of crime, movies have the power to shape behavior, particularly in those who are easily swayed. The CBFC and filmmakers must collaborate to make sure that movies uphold moral principles rather than celebrate crime or violence. The Indian film business may help create a more responsible and healthy media environment by implementing these measures, which would ultimately benefit society at large. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that, in addition to responsible filmmaking, reducing crime necessitates a broad strategy that includes socioeconomic growth, mental health care, and education.

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