Why People Are Divided Over Air India's Flight Safety Video?

Over the past two days, the internet has been buzzing with discussions about Air India's inflight safety video. While some applaud the airline's creative approach to safety instructions, others express concerns about the effectiveness of such a theatrical presentation.

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A large number of netizens hailed the airline for depicting India's rich culture through various classical and folk dance forms.

Air India launched its new inflight safety video 'Safety Mudras' on Friday depicting India's rich culture through various classical and folk dance forms.

The video showcased a variety of dance forms, including Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kathakali, Kathak, Ghoomar, Bihu, and Giddha. Against a backdrop of these captivating performances, a voice delivers safety instructions for passengers. Each dance form ingeniously incorporates 'mudras' or hand gestures to convey specific safety procedures.

As per a statement from the airlines, the video was crafted in collaboration with renowned figures such as McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific Chairman, director Bharat Bala, lyricist Prasoon Joshi, and singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan.

Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD of Air India, remarked, "As a flagbearer of the country and a longstanding patron of Indian art and culture, Air India is thrilled to unveil a masterpiece that not only imparts crucial safety instructions but also celebrates India's vibrant cultural tapestry to travelers worldwide. Our passengers will find this inflight safety video to be both engaging and enlightening, extending a warm welcome to India from the moment they step onboard."

"Air India's new #inflightsafetyvideo is a breath of fresh air from monotonous safety briefing. Reimagining Indian classical & folk dances, #AirIndia creates a visually appealing video to acclimatize passengers with essential #safety instructions through 'mudras' - hand gestures," one user commented.

Another user said, "loving the new #AirIndia in-flight safety video! 🎥✈️ The brilliant fusion of India's rich cultural heritage with classical dance forms is pure genius. Kudos to @airindia for seamlessly blending tradition & modernity in ensuring passenger safety!"

The third user commented, "#AirIndia Promoting own brand through cultural dance of all states I have never seen it before Really very nice watching the video again and again."

On the other hand, one section of people argue that the show and dance may overshadow the primary objective of ensuring passengers' safety, suggesting that the emphasis on entertainment detracts from the essential task of internalizing safety protocols.

"Basics on flight safety should be communicated with clarity. Not force fitted into theatrics. Beyond the first instruction, I couldn't retain any of it. Too distracting. Wonder what's the purpose: passenger safety or awards? Is it worth making a song & dance about this? #AirIndia," one user commented.

Another user said, "This is too cliched Too long and not a very clear depiction of safety information First time flier ko to kuch samajh nahi ayega." The third user said, "Not impressed."