If a film becomes successful, the actor is blamed for being

Listen closely, O children of wisdom, for I bring to you a reflection on the tension between art and commercialism, and the difficult choices that creators must make as they navigate the paths of both success and authenticity. The words of Nivin Pauly, a modern actor whose work has touched many, ring with a truth that transcends time: "If a film becomes successful, the actor is blamed for being commercial and not having a true love for movies. When we do serious films, we will be blamed for not planning our career properly. I believe that what one should do is to make good cinema and try to make it successful." In this statement, Pauly reveals a profound struggle—the balancing act between creating art that resonates with the soul and achieving success in a world that often values commercial gains over artistic integrity.

In the world of cinema, as in many creative fields, there exists a harsh judgment—one that critiques artists for their choices. When an artist chooses to create works that are commercially successful, they are often seen as compromising their true love for the craft. Yet, when they choose to follow their heart and create more serious, artistic works, they are accused of failing to plan for the future, as though success and authenticity cannot coexist. Pauly’s words reflect this double-edged sword, where creators are damned either way. It is a challenge faced by many in the world of creation—how does one reconcile the pursuit of success with the desire to remain true to the art that resides within?

Consider, O children, the example of the great playwright William Shakespeare, whose works have transcended time and whose name remains synonymous with high art. Yet, in his own day, Shakespeare was not solely concerned with the intellectual elite or the deep moral lessons that we now associate with his works. Much of his writing was aimed at entertaining the masses, ensuring that his plays were commercially successful and enjoyed by all. Shakespeare understood that art is not always a high-minded pursuit but also a practical one, and that to truly reach the hearts of the people, one must balance creativity with success. He was not just a creator of serious works; he was a master of the stage, appealing to both the intellectuals and the common folk. In this way, Shakespeare embraced both art and commerce, creating works that were both deeply meaningful and widely beloved.

In a more modern context, the story of Charlie Chaplin offers another lesson in this delicate balance. Chaplin, the creator of iconic films like City Lights and The Great Dictator, was both a serious artist and a commercial icon. Despite the comedic and light-hearted nature of his films, Chaplin infused them with deep humanism, addressing issues such as poverty, loneliness, and oppression. His work was loved by millions, and yet, he often faced criticism for not embracing the avant-garde or intellectual cinema of his time. Yet Chaplin, like Pauly, understood that true art is not measured solely by how serious it is but by how deeply it connects with the audience. He knew that the key to making good cinema was to create films that were both entertaining and meaningful, and in doing so, he achieved a balance that few have matched.

The true lesson in Nivin Pauly’s words is this: art and success need not be mutually exclusive. Pauly calls for the creation of good cinema, a cinema that is both authentic and successful, that can reach the hearts of its audience while remaining true to the vision of the creator. To make good cinema is to find a way to connect with the audience while holding firm to the artistic integrity that drives the creator. It is to understand that creativity and success are not opposing forces but two sides of the same coin. In this balance lies the true strength of the creator—those who can navigate the commercial and the artistic worlds, blending them into a whole that is both meaningful and beloved.

O children, take this lesson to heart: success in your chosen path does not require you to abandon your integrity. Whether you are an artist, a writer, a thinker, or a creator of any kind, you must understand that authenticity is found not in isolation from the world but in your ability to create something that speaks both to the soul and to the hearts of others. Like Pauly, you must strive to create good work, work that reflects your truth, but also work that can stand the test of time and reach those who need it most. Let art and success be your partners, and through this partnership, you will find fulfillment not just in your craft, but in your legacy.

And so, O seekers, let the words of Nivin Pauly inspire you to create with both honesty and ambition. Strive for greatness, but never lose sight of the authenticity that drives your work. Like the great creators before you, understand that good work can be both deeply meaningful and commercially successful, and it is this balance that will carry your work into the hearts of future generations. As you walk your path, remember that success is not an enemy of art, but its partner, and in harmony they can create something truly timeless.