While many of us are disgusted by Bollywood’s regressive movies, the heartbreaking truth is that we are the reason why Bollywood makes these regressive movies. We are the people, who watch these regressive Bollywood movies and make them super-hit.
Here are 8 such super-successful Bollywood movies, that were massive hits at box office, even after being regressive at so many levels!
1. Simmba
Like many other Bollywood regressive movies, this movie also glorifies fake encounters and extrajudicial killings. It is shocking how a character who beats innocent people and misuse power is shown as a HERO! Even though the movie represented unnecessary toxic masculinity, the movie became a blockbuster!
2. Cocktail
It is disgusting how the character played by Deepika Padukone, i.e. Veronica, the modern woman, who is confident, bold, feisty, is shown as a bad girl, who isn’t worthy to be someone’s wife! Meera played by Diana Penty, who is shown as a traditional girl, becomes an instant favorite of Saif’s character, who falls in love with her while dating Veronica! The movie is regressive that promotes the patriarchal mindset of sanskaari ladki!
3. Judwaa 2Â
In simple words, this movie is a misogynistic comedy. From the crude jokes to butt slapping scenes to forceful kisses, this movie is full of regressive elements that sadly, many people still enjoy! Taapsee in an earlier interview said, “If you start making films like Mulk successful, I will stop doing blockbusters like Judwaa 2.” The problem is us!
4. Biwi no. 1Â
How this movie uses infidelity as a matter of joke is so wrong and disgusting? It is sad how rather than portraying Pooja (played by Karisma Kapoor) dumping Prem (played by Salman) for cheating her, she strives hard to win him over. This movie is another example of how our regressive movies set unrealistic expectations for women!
5. No EntryÂ
From showcasing three men fooling their wives to husbands indulging in extra-marital affairs, this movie is just another reminder of how the audience accepts the regressive movies and makes them super-hit.
6. Kuch Kuch Hota HaiÂ
Karan Johar’s super-hit classic is a movie with so many issues and problems. It is not just sexist, this movie is toxic and misogynist. We wish someone could explain to problematic Rahul (played by SRK) that love and marriage don’t happen only once. People move out of toxic marriage and fall in love again! But, what could you expect from someone who falls in love with the clothes and not the person? And, can please someone explain to us why Anjali chose shallow Rahul over loving and caring Aman?
7. Tanu Weds Manu Returns
While many promoted ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’ as a progressive film but it is really regressive on many levels. Dear Bollywood, showing women as brash, alcoholic, abusive is not COOL. With the saddening portrayal of women – the movie shows there are only two kinds of women in this world – either too hysterical or too lame.
8. DhadkanÂ
How this movie glorifies and justifies Dev’s (Suniel Shetty) anger for not getting the love of his love is straight away regressive. But, what leaves you more disgusted is how Anjali (played by Shilpa Shetty) let herself be blackmailed by her father and turned into a woman, who refuses to stand for herself. Even after the glorification of the patriarchal mindset, this movie turned into a super-hit!
*All Images are sourced from the respective movies or their posters.