By- Gayatri Chavan
Entertainment
Javed Akhtar’s statement on ‘Animal’
Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar recently shared his critical views on the portrayal of masculinity in Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming film Animal. Without having seen the film himself, Akhtar expressed concerns about the character based on descriptions he had heard.”I haven’t seen the film but I’ve heard about a scene where the hero asks the heroine to lick his shoes as a symbol of love,” In an interview Akhtar stated. “It portrays a kind of man who wants a woman to lick his shoe. This is a caricature of a strong man.
“Akhtar, known for writing some of Bollywood’s most iconic “angry young man” characters in the 1970s and 80s, believes the archetype has been reduced to a crude caricature in modern cinema. He feels the portrayal of masculinity has become increasingly problematic. But today, the angry young man has become a caricature of himself,” Akhtar lamented.
Photograph Source:- Hindustan Times
Just a caricature of strong man
The 78-year-old writer, who penned classics like Zanjeer and Deewar, said the “angry young man” of his era was a nuanced character driven by a sense of justice. But in today’s films, the character has been reduced to a one-dimensional macho posturing.
The writer’s comments come amid growing concerns about the portrayal of masculinity in Indian cinema. Many have criticized the glorification of toxic masculinity, misogyny and violence in recent Bollywood films.Akhtar’s criticism of Ranbir Kapoor’s character in Animal is particularly noteworthy given the actor’s reputation as one of the most talented and versatile stars of his generation.
Evolution in Portrayals of Masculinity in Indian Cinema
Animal is a crime drama directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who also helmed the controversial Kabir Singh in 2019. That film was widely panned for its glorification of a misogynistic, abusive protagonist.In the upcoming Animal, Ranbir Kapoor plays a gangster with a volatile temper.While the film’s trailer hints at some intense and gritty scenes, it remains to be seen if the final product will be as problematic as Akhtar fears.
The writer’s comments have sparked a larger debate about the need for more nuanced and responsible portrayals of masculinity in Indian cinema.Many agree with Akhtar that the “angry young man” has become a caricature, with male characters often reduced to one-dimensional macho
photograph Source:- Google
Conclusion
There is a growing call for Bollywood to move beyond the tropes of the angry, violent hero and explore more complex, layered representations of masculinity.Akhtar’s critique of Animal suggests that even veteran writers are growing weary of the same old macho posturing that has become a staple of mainstream Hindi cinema.
As a pioneer of the “angry young man” genre himself, Akhtar’s words carry weight. His comments highlight the need for a more evolved, responsible portrayal of masculinity on the big screen.Whether Animal will heed this call remains to be seen. But Akhtar’s intervention has certainly added fuel to an important debate about gender representation in Indian cinema
