Lights, camera…mediocrity?

Stars Shine, Stories Dim…But Audience Holds Still Spotlight

Rajbir Singh, AIS Gur 43, Alumnus

When films like Pathaan and Raees smash box office records despite being critically underwhelming, it’s hard not to wonder: what are we really celebrating - cinema or celebrity? With their exaggerated action sequences, half-baked plotlines, and questionable direction, these films rode entirely on the shoulders of superstar Shah Rukh Khan. And the audiences? We clapped, we cheered, and we showed up in numbers - not for the story, but for the star. This trend reflects something deeper: our growing obsession with faces rather than the narrative of films.
As viewers, we often forget that cinema is a craft - a combination of story, vision, and performance. But today, the craft often takes a back seat, while star power drives the wheel. Gadar 2 is another example. The original was powerful, emotional, and resonant. The sequel? A loud echo with none of the emotional depth. Yet, theatres were packed again. Why? Nostalgia? Blind loyalty? Or simply a lack of better choices? This isn’t a ‘Bollywood only’ problem. Hollywood has its share too. Films like The Nun 2, The Meg 2, and Expendables 4 were all hyped. But peel back the layers, and all you get is recycled scripts, jump scares that don’t scare, and a formula that’s long expired. The Nun 2, in particular, felt like a horror video game stuck on a loop: ghost jumps, grabs a face, screams - repeat. Compare that to The Silence of the Lambs or The Conjuring, where terror came from tension, not volume.
So, what changed? Us. The audience. We’ve become passive consumers rather than thoughtful viewers. When Martin Scorsese said “cinema needs to be saved,” he wasn’t being dramatic - he was being honest. Directors like him, along with Ridley Scott, Quentin Tarantino, and Christopher Nolan, view cinema as art, not just a product. But art needs an audience that demands more than glam and gunfire.
Thankfully, a few films still fight for that balance. Oppenheimer reminded us what it feels like to be immersed in a story that matters. Barbie broke stereotypes while telling a layered, witty tale. Mission: Impossible 7 proved that action can still be thoughtful and gripping. These films succeeded because they respected their audience and the true art.
It’s time we take some responsibility. If we continue to support mediocre films just because they feature our favourite stars, we send the message that effort does not matter. But when we choose well-made films like Cuttputlli, which cleverly subverts a predictable murder mystery - we give cinema a chance to evolve.
The truth is, cinema isn’t dying - it’s waiting for us to value it again. Let’s not let good storytelling become a forgotten art. Let’s be the kind of audience that demands Forrest Gump, not just another Fast & Furious. Because in the end, the future of film lies in the hands of the
audience and those behind the camera.

Adventure builds leaders

With a vision to nurture confidence, resilience, and leadership in Amitians, the Amity Sports Foundation introduced Adventure Sports in 2007 with a leading outdoor activities company, with AIS Gurugram 43 proudly pioneering the initiative. Since then, the initiative has been expanded across all Amity branches in India. A wide range of in-house and days outing camps and activities have been designed exclusively for Amitians. These activities are guided by trained mentors, enabling students to challenge themselves in a safe environment. A diverse array of activities including trekking, mountain climbing, cycling, rock climbing, exploring flora and fauna, cultural immersion, biodiversity expeditions, and even adapting to food and survival challenges has been thoughtfully curated to build character, enhance teamwork, foster eco-awareness, and enhance communication skills. These experiences increase self-confidence and offer deep engagement with nature and culture.
Besides, the jungle exposure provides a unique encounter with animals and birds living in harmony, guided by fascinating communication systems and habits, providing a practical, lifelong experience.
In addition, Amity Indian Military College organises annual military training camps where Amitians undergo immersive experiences in discipline and survival skills with activities like firefighting, tent pitching, field craft, map reading, etc. Students also trek together, share bonfires, and bond with peers, learning values of cooperation, inter-dependence, patience, and perseverance. Adventure sports are our way of making Amitians familiar with the world of risk-taking and adaptability. 

The ‘DIY’ comeback

This edition’s top story once again brought back a flood of memories for me. It reminded me how ‘Do-It-Yourself’, or DIY as we call it, has always been more than just a hobby. It is knowledge passed down through generations. From rural India to the ancient Mayan civilization, people found ingenious ways to repurpose and create. Old clothes were stitched into rugs, quilts, or wall hangings, all of which were not just practical but also deeply personal. I still recall my sister turning her daughter’s childhood clothes into a quilt cover – a work of art that carried emotions stitched into every fold and pattern. Similarly, newspapers transformed into papier-mâché toys, and even leftover rice or chapatis were reinvented into new dishes! What was then termed ‘jugaad’ for making the most of measly resources that most people had, is now #trending, all backed by the promise of sustainability.
Today, this culture is making a huge comeback. Origami boxes, crochet items, upcycled crafts, and stitched souvenirs are reappearing not just as pastimes but as entrepreneurial ventures. What was once a necessity has now become creativity-driven business, supporting an entire DIY economy powered by personalization, sustainability, and emotion. I often come across beautiful handcrafted gifts – crochet bags, stitched covers and hand-painted décor. In the age of AI, it is reassuring to see this revival, because to me, DIY reflects the ‘real intelligence’, or simply put, our capacity to innovate with our hands and hearts.

GT M@il

Dear Editor,
Every edition of The Global Times is a pleasure to read, and this one was no exception. Though each page was rich with beautifully written pieces, the intricacy of the special pages, that is, Pages 6 and 7, in the edition dated August 18, 2025, caught my eye particularly. It weaved together the facts on photography, leaving no space unused. Every corner was adorned with fascinating information about photography and cameras. The piece touched upon the historical significance of many famous photography collections and photographs, which crafted an intriguing read. A picture embellishes the story that may otherwise go unnoticed, and from small snippets of facts to the timeline that showcased the development of the camera, this edition emphasised on the significance of World Photography Day and the importance of pictures in our daily lives. Thank you, The Global Times, for providing us such knowledgeable reads.
Krisha Rastogi, AIS Saket, XI C