Last year in Bollywood, a noticeable trend dominated the silver screen: an overwhelming celebration of exaggerated masculinity. Movies showcased larger-than-life male characters, emphasizing physical strength and action while sidelining emotions, intelligence, or character.
Blockbusters like ‘Gadar 2’ and ‘Animal’ unapologetically showcased this problematic theme. They glorified hypermasculinity against intense backgrounds, depicting an idealized version of masculinity that left little room for vulnerability or any other emotion than rage. Movies like ‘Animal’ glorified toxic masculinity, portraying its main character as the quintessential ‘alpha male’ who viewed women merely as objects.
Only one way to be a Man: Worship Macho Ideals
Even highly anticipated films like Prashanth Neel’s ‘Salaar’ followed this trend. Positioned in a world of power dynamics, the movie cast its lead, played by Prabhas, as an unstoppable force. However, despite Neel’s directorial skills, the film’s portrayal of hypermasculinity raises concerns about the notion that there is only one way to be a man—by worshiping these macho ideals.
Extreme Masculinity is bad for all of us
These narratives of extreme masculinity serve as a warning sign for all of us today. The issue lies in the promotion of masculinity being restricted to someone always ready to fight or show rage at the drop of a hat, or someone who doesn’t see women as equals.
It’s disheartening how our movies are pushing this idealized notion of manhood that breeds toxic masculinity, reinforcing outdated stereotypes that negatively impact both men and women. As these stories become part of mainstream cinema, men of all ages absorb them. This is where the biggest danger lies. It’s concerning that many will start seeing these exaggerated male roles as the standard for being a real man.
The release of Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’ demonstrated this worrying trend as many took to social media to hail his character as the epitome of ‘asli mard’ (real man), praising his problematic toxic masculine traits without acknowledging their harmful impact.
Not only are women at the receiving end of these stereotypes but many men are also led to believe that men only show strength and no vulnerabilities. Movies are not just entertainment; they hold a significant influence on young and impressionable minds. They shamelessly attempt to normalize toxic masculinity and promote a problematic view of REAL MEN.
We don’t need more tough, unfeeling man
While 2023 might go down as the era of over-exaggeration of machoism on the big screen, it should serve as a wake-up call. If the trend of glorifying exaggerated masculinity continues, it could paint a bleak picture for future generations of men and women.
Dear Bollywood, we don’t need any more tough, unfeeling men. Our society is struggling with it. Here’s hoping that 2024 brings about a new wave of masculinity — one that values intelligence and emotional depth over sheer physical strength. It’s time for a version of masculinity that gives more importance to the mind than just muscles.”