Kareena, Ananya Panday and Kalyani Priyadarshan on the trend of hypermasculinity in films
Actresses Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kalyani Priyadarshan and Ananya Panday shared their views on the growing trend of hypermasculine male characters in Indian cinema.
Actresses Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kalyani Priyadarshan and Ananya Panday have shared their views on the growing trend of hypermasculine heroes in Indian cinema. Acknowledging that violent and sensationalist storytelling currently dominates the screen, the actors suggested that such trends are shaped by what audiences prefer to watch.
In recent years, Indian cinema has seen an increase in male characters who are often portrayed as violent, emotionally unstable and morally complex, and whose aggression is presented as strength or heroism. Although films featuring such characters have performed well at the box office, they have also sparked debate about toxic masculinity and the impact of popular cinema on society.
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during a conversation with Hollywood Reporter IndiaThe Three actors were asked to share their views On this change in storytelling and the rise of such characters.
Kalyani said, “I don’t know if it’s an aspect of masculinity or not. I believe the audience dictates where cinema is going, not the producers sitting behind a desk.”
He said the current trend appears to be driven by the demand for more sensational storytelling.
She said, “Right now, it’s the trend, and I say it’s the trend because I don’t think it’s going to last, it’s practical, and every scene has to be sensational or shocking. You can show spectacle with violence, and people think that’s what’s selling cinema. It scares me a little bit, but I believe it’s a trend.”
Ananya Pandey told that the industry often repeats those formulas which prove to be successful at the box office.
“It feels like repetition in the sense that everyone wants to make what’s working,” he said, adding that once a film of a particular genre becomes a hit, many others follow the same approach.
Kareena Kapoor Khan also reflected on how certain genres seem to be dominating the current cinematic landscape. He said, “Now I feel it is all thriller, crime, gore. There is no fun, energy, colour, love, romance.”
Despite their comments, the actors stressed that the responsibility of changing trends does not lie solely with filmmakers or actors. Instead, he suggested that shaping the stories that are told would require a collective shift involving both the industry and the audience.
On the work front, Ananya Panday was last seen you are mine i yours i yours you are mineDirected by Sameer Vidwans, it also stars Kartik Aryan, Jackie Shroff and Neena Gupta in lead roles.
Meanwhile, Kareena Kapoor Khan is reportedly ready to make a comeback breakup 5. She will also be seen in scopeDirected by Meghna Gulzar, where she stars alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Kalyani Priyadarshan was last seen Lokah Chapter 1: Moon. Reports have also linked him to Director Jai Mehta’s upcoming horror thriller cataclysmStarring Ranveer Singh.