Bollywood thrives on grand sets and catchy songs, yet women are still portrayed as helpless figures, sidelined to please the male gaze. Here’s an in-depth look at why Bollywood needs to change.
Can Bollywood break free?
Bollywood’s influence is undeniable, shaping societal views and often pushing against traditional norms. The industry’s success comes from a robust mix of compelling storylines, lavish sets, and unforgettable songs, all wrapped in a package of exaggerated extravagance that audiences adore. Despite this glittering allure, one aspect remains stubbornly unchanged—the portrayal of women. Instead of showcasing them as strong, independent individuals, Bollywood frequently reduces women to mere damsels in distress, sidelined in the narrative but meticulously crafted to satisfy the male gaze.
Yes, there are notable exceptions such as “Piku,” “English Vinglish,” and “Pink,” which strive to educate and inspire audiences. However, when these films are compared to the vast number of movies that glorify domestic violence and sexual assault, the difference is glaring—the ratio speaks for itself. Numerous highly praised films over the years have espoused themes of violence against women. With the rise in sexual violence in India, it’s increasingly hard to dismiss the possibility that Bollywood may indeed be contributing to the country’s growing rape culture.
Since the 1980s, movies have been promoting violence against women in more overt ways. Take “Zakhmi Aurat” (1988), for example, featuring a 7-minute-long rape scene seemingly created to fulfill male fantasies of dominance, with the attacker using escalating force to overpower the victim, making his “victory” feel more rewarding. Similarly, in the 1986 film “Angaarey,” Jolly, played by Shakti Kapoor, stalks and brutally assaults Aarti (Smita Patil) in her own home. In “Bhagawan” (1993), a woman is forced to marry the man who raped her in order to protect her family’s honor, completely disregarding her trauma in favor of societal expectations.
It’s now 2024, but has anything really changed onscreen? The overt acts of stalking and rape as means for heroes to win over women did see a decline over time. However, the arrival of “Kabir Singh” in 2019, a Bollywood remake of the Telugu film “Arjun Reddy,” reignited the flames of controversy. The movie blatantly glorified misogyny, mirroring the male-dominated culture in India. In one of the introductory scenes, Kabir holds a knife to a girl, demanding she undress, while a fast-paced soundtrack glamorizes his behavior.
. Kabir kisses Preethi, his ‘love interest,’ the moment they meet, yet faces no repercussions. Instead, he is rewarded when she falls in love with him, reinforcing the perilous idea that men can dominate women to get what they want. Throughout the film, Preethi’s voice is barely heard until the midpoint, and when Kabir slaps her, she begs for his forgiveness instead of asserting herself.
Folks might argue, “It’s just entertainment, right? Can’t we just relax?” Sure, there have been cult classics with plenty of violence before this, but those films were often balanced with strong character development, engaging plots, redemption arcs, or in-depth explorations into the mind’s descent into madness. However, modern examples like “Kabir Singh” are different.
And then, in December 2023, “Animal” hit the screens. Written and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, it’s another alpha-male, chauvinistic spectacle that objectifies and sexualizes women while glorifying violence such as slitting throats, shooting adversaries, and strangling business rivals—all under the guise of “protecting the family.” Predictably, the film shows no real respect for women or the relationships that genuinely hold families together. The male lead metes out both physical and emotional abuse on his wife, girlfriend, sister, and mother, always finding ways to justify his reprehensible actions. Shockingly, the movie normalizes all his crimes by labeling him as an “animal.”
When films like these have shaped minds for generations, it becomes evident why they might contribute to an increase in rape culture in India. The repetitive glorification of toxic masculinity, objectification of women, and trivialization of violence against them send an alarming message. By consistently portraying dominance, abuse, and control as acceptable—even heroic—behavior, these movies reinforce harmful attitudes that seep into society, fostering a culture where such actions are not just tolerated but often celebrated.
Bollywood’s far-reaching influence—shaping societal norms and values—is undeniable. What makes it resonate with audiences is the dynamic blend of captivating plots, grandiose sets, and hit songs, all delivered with a flair for excess that people find irresistible. Despite these dazzling elements, one troubling constant remains—the portrayal of women as passive, sidelined figures meant to cater to the male gaze. It’s high time Bollywood reevaluates its narratives and takes accountability for the toxic messages it perpetuates, aligning entertainment with more progressive and respectful portrayals of women.
