Kochi: Filmmaker and actor Prithviraj Sukumaran said that the notion that creativity needs drugs is not true. He said that no masterpiece was ever written under the influence of narcotics, Mathrubhumi reported.
The renowned filmmaker, notable for his stance on various issues, including human rights, minority rights, etc., delivered a powerful message against the use of drugs during the ‘No Entry’ anti-drug campaign held in Ernakulam, Kerala, addressing hundreds of students.
He declared that “narcotics is a dirty business”, paying homage to the Malayalam movie punch line, warning students of the serious dangers drugs pose in the film industry as well as everyday life. He had used the line in his 2019 directorial debut and blockbuster Mohanlal starrer “Lucifer”.
Mathrubhumi quoted Prithviraj, “There’s a false notion that creativity needs drugs. That is not true. No masterpiece was ever written under the influence of narcotics. No good film was ever made either.”
Relating his personal observations from the film industry, Prithviraj said that many of the known writers there, as well as directors, abstain from alcohol when they are working despite being habitual drinkers. He said that if people think that drugs or alcohol could help them create art, they are being misled.
He told students that society must face the dangers of the drug menace together.
Further, he said that if one feels that they need to do something wrong just to be part of a group, they must understand that the said group does not deserve them. There are greater joys in life, he said.
He was addressing an event on the International Day Against Drug Abuse, and he concluded by joining the audience in reciting the anti-drug pledge.