As people increasingly turn to films to fulfill their entertainment needs, the excessive presence of aggression and scenes violating existing laws are having a negative impact on viewers. In particular, the depiction of smoking, drug use, and obscene language in films is influencing adolescents and young adults toward harmful addictions and negative behavior, posing a serious risk to society. In this regard, actors, directors, producers, and relevant government and regulatory bodies must act responsibly.
This appeal was made in a press release issued by Madok Draba O Nesha Nirodh Sangstha (MANAS) on Wednesday, 30 July.
The press release stated that MANAS has been consistently working with stakeholders to monitor the implementation of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Law, 2005 in entertainment media and to raise public awareness. MANAS monitored films released during Eid-ul-Adha 2025 along with their promotional materials. It was found that out of six films released during Eid, five contained prominent scenes of smoking and drug use.
The most popular films among viewers, “Tandob” and “Insaf”, showed 160 smoking scenes combined. Scenes of e-cigarette and drug use were also observed. These films violated the Tobacco Control Act and its Rules. Moreover, smoking scenes were promoted through posters, trailers, thumbnails, and social media promotional content. In some cases, health warnings were included in a token manner but not in compliance with legal standards. Even an imported Nepali film was found violating existing laws and policies. In some instances, law enforcement characters were shown smoking, further undermining their public image.
A notable exception was the film “Utsob”, which did not depict any smoking or drug use scenes and included health warnings at the beginning, during the intermission, and at the end of the film. While many filmmakers continue to justify such scenes as “required for the storyline,” Utsob set a positive and exemplary precedent.
On this issue, policy analyst Advocate Syed Mahbubul Alam said that families are now facing embarrassment while watching films together. Smoking, drug use, and offensive language are being glamorized in films, dramas, and OTT content. Portraying law enforcement officers smoking tarnishes their image. He urged the state to take swift and proactive measures to stop such illegal and unethical practices. Otherwise, the next generation may become a burden to the nation.
Professor Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury, President of MANAS, stated that there is an alarming increase in law-breaking scenes in films, dramas, and web series aimed at attracting viewers. Characters like heroes, side-heroes, and villains are almost always shown smoking or using drugs. These types of content do not benefit youth; rather, they push them toward addiction and various anti-social activities. Healthy entertainment can play a crucial role to improve the situation.