Just days ahead of the much-hyped release of Rajini starrer Kabali, the Madras High Court has used a judgment on piracy to give out a public service message: stalking should not be glorified in films, and actors have a responsibility to ensure they don't set bad examples to the youth.

Hinting at the Swathi murder case, Justice N Kirubakaran said, "Many social evils and recent crimes are, no doubt, the effect of recent films. Youths are made to believe that they can win over an urban girl by constant stalking and when they fail in their attempt, they are unable to withstand the frustration and they resort to committing crimes." (PTI)

While the order itself granted an interim injunction restraining all Internet Service Providers from illegally downloading Kabali, Justice Kirubakaran did not hold back on the lack of responsibility in the movies. Pointing out that the film industry has a reciprocal obligation to society, he said that thugs and criminal elements are eulogised as heroes. Some cinema songs were loaded with negative messages invariably degrading and demeaning women, he said. "Leading actors should also avoid drinking, smoking in their movies," he added. 

The HC has also asked the Union of India to respond to suggestions on the social responsibility obligations of the cinema industry.