When asked should there be censorship on digital content, Massey replied, “It’s a tightrope.In my opinion, we are responsible for what we and our children watch. As adults, we should have the freedom to express what we want to express. If you believe that children are getting spoiled by watching cinema, that’s not true. The moment your son or daughter steps out of the house, their school environment, and even behaviors like whether their dad smokes or eats tobacco, all play a role.”
He emphasized the importance of age-appropriate certification, similar to the systems in place outside India. “There should be 18+, 21+, PG (Parental Guidance) ratings. Censorship exists in cinema, but the digital platform should allow free expression. The line of absurdity is thin, and deciding where to stop is crucial. Nudity, abusive language—these are things we see around us. The key is not to suffocate creative expression while maintaining some boundaries,” he said.
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Massey also highlighted that storytelling is a creative endeavor often rooted in reality. “Cinema and society represent each other. It’s essential to have age-appropriate certification rather than strict censorship. As parents, we must guide what our children see. But adults should have the autonomy to pick and choose their content,” he mentioned.
In concluding his thoughts, Massey addressed the audience, “Thank you for coming. Work hard. India is doing phenomenally well, but there’s still a lot to do. The youth must stop cheating and work honestly. Collectively, as a society and a country, we will progress. Stay safe, stay healthy. That’s all I can say.”
