Toxic masculinity and its implicit danger in Indian cinema – Kashmir Observer

by Ayat Adil

Within the vast tapestry of Indian cinema, the portrayal of women is a controversial topic, with some films unintentionally perpetuating harmful stereotypes and toxic masculinity.A journey through the corridors of time, classics like “”Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” and “ranjana” is etched into the legacy of Bollywood, but has been accused of normalizing harassment and violence against women.

The scenery of the film is based on the 1993 masterpiece “Dar”, directed by Yash Chopra, stars Shah Rukh Khan as a psychopathic stalker named Rahul. Despite refraining from glorifying Rahul’s actions, the film’s narrative structure and Khan’s convincing performance unintentionally foster empathy and blur the line between toxic love and genuine emotion. I’ll make it. This complex dance reveals the delicate interplay between cinematic brilliance and the careless perpetuation of problematic behavior.

The impact of such depictions extends beyond the world of reels and permeates society’s perceptions and attitudes. The normalization of toxic masculinity is also reflected in commercially successful films such as:Kabir Singh” and “animal” has drawn criticism for promoting gender inequality, misogyny, and harmful stereotypes. Despite their box office success, these films have faced harsh criticism for reducing women to mere objects of desire and posing a fundamental challenge to the nature of gender equality. There is.

The insidious influence of films depicting toxic masculinity has transcended entertainment and penetrated the minds of Indian audiences. Audiences seem to prefer stories that glorify toxic masculinity over stories that advocate female empowerment, a disconcerting trend emerging. This shift raises concerns about the potential brainwashing effects, gradually normalizing and even inciting the practice of toxic masculinity in our private lives.

Like in movies likeKabir Singh” and “animal‘ has been popular, reflecting audience demand for characters that embody aggression, dominance, and misogyny. When this preference is reflected in real-life behavior, it contributes to the alarming perpetuation of harmful attitudes and behaviors within society. Because the line between reel and reality is blurred, viewers can inadvertently adopt or condone behavior that undermines gender equality and respect for women.

The film industry’s pivotal role in shaping this story cannot be overlooked. The inadvertent blueprint provided by films depicting toxic masculinity shapes individuals’ perceptions of acceptable behavior. The normalization of such behavior in popular culture risks perpetuating harmful stereotypes and perpetuating gender-based violence and discrimination.

In the face of this harsh reality, the Indian film industry must recognize its impact and its responsibility and embark on a journey of self-reflection. Beyond the allure of commercial success, filmmakers need to be mindful of the potential impact of broadly perpetuating toxic masculinity. This self-reflection is a powerful tool that guides narratives toward stories that encourage positive change, challenge social norms, and ultimately contribute to fostering a more just and respectful society.

As audiences continue to consume media content, a collective awakening will be essential. As active participants in this cultural exchange, viewers must critically evaluate the messages depicted on screen. By consciously choosing films that advocate for women’s empowerment and challenge toxic masculinity, audiences can reframe the narrative and create a society that values ​​equality, respect, and empowerment for all individuals, regardless of gender. You can actively contribute to their development.

But there is also a silver lining in this story. Films like ‘Manikarnika’, ‘Neerja’, ‘Mardaani’ and ‘English Vinglish’ feature dominant and strong female characters. However, a contradiction arises as Indian society does not seem to care much about these empowering stories. The industry’s struggle to balance audience preferences with responsible storytelling has become more pronounced, calling into question the social dynamics that draw attention to stories depicting toxic masculinity.

The responsibility to challenge these norms goes beyond filmmakers alone. As consumers of media, it will be paramount that audiences engage critically with content, demanding stories that uplift and empower women. The ongoing dichotomy between films that showcase toxic masculinity and films that promote female empowerment highlights the industry’s struggle to balance entertainment with responsible storytelling. The evolution of the paradigm in Indian cinema requires the concerted efforts of filmmakers, actors, writers and audiences to create a positive impact on the film industry and society at large. The journey towards more inclusive and empowering representation of women continues with hopes for stories that inspire change, challenge stereotypes and usher in a new era of unbiased storytelling in Indian cinema.

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• The views expressed are the author’s own

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