Bollywood thrives on grand sets and catchy songs, yet women are often still portrayed as helpless figures, sidelined to please the male gaze. Despite its undeniable influence and ability to shape societal views, the portrayal of women in Bollywood films remains largely unchanged. Let’s delve into why Bollywood must evolve.
Can Bollywood break free from its age-old portrayal of women? Bollywood has an unparalleled impact on society, often challenging norms but also solidifying them. Its success comes from a blend of intriguing storylines, opulent sets, and infectious music, all wrapped in a glittering veneer. Despite this allure, one aspect remains stubbornly consistent—the portrayal of women. Time and again, they are depicted as damsels in distress, relegated to secondary roles, meticulously engineered to meet male fantasy.
Bollywood’s role in perpetuating sexual violence
There are indeed films like “Piku,” “English Vinglish,” and “Pink” that seek to inspire and educate. However, their number pales compared to movies that glorify domestic violence and sexual assault. This stark contrast highlights a troubling trend in the industry. Many critically acclaimed films over the years include narratives of violence against women. Given the alarming rise in sexual violence in India, it’s hard to dismiss the notion that Bollywood is contributing to the nation’s escalating rape culture.
Since the 1980s, Bollywood has been promoting the idea of violence against women. A glaring example is “Zakhmi Aurat” (1988), which features a distressing 7-minute rape scene seemingly designed to fulfill male fantasies of domination. The attacker is seen using increasing force to subdue the victim, presenting his “victory” as more gratifying. In the 1986 film “Angaarey,” Jolly (Shakti Kapoor) stalks and viciously assaults Aarti (Smita Patil) in her home. “Bhagawan” (1993) portrays a woman being coerced into marrying her rapist to safeguard her family’s honor, completely disregarding her trauma in favor of societal expectations.
Fast-forward to 2024: Has anything changed?
While the portrayal of heroes winning women through stalking and rape has diminished over time, troubling portrayals remain. The 2019 release “Kabir Singh,” the Bollywood adaptation of “Arjun Reddy,” egregiously glorified misogyny and spotlighted India’s patriarchal culture.
. The character Kabir Singh flagrantly exhibits abusive behavior, from holding a knife to a girl, demanding she undress, to kissing his love interest, Preethi, the moment they meet, without any consequences. Kabir’s behavior is romanticized rather than condemned, reinforcing the harmful idea that men can dominate women to get what they want. Preethi’s voice is negligible until the film’s midpoint. When Kabir slaps her, she begs for his forgiveness instead of asserting herself.
“Isn’t it just entertainment?” many might ask. Yes, past films have achieved cult status despite featuring violence, but they also focused on character development, compelling narratives, and redemption arcs or explored the mind’s descent into madness.
Then came “Animal” in December 2023, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. This movie continues the problematic trope of toxic masculinity. It belittles, objectifies, and sexualizes women while glorifying violence—be it slitting throats, shooting adversaries, or strangling business rivals—all supposedly to “protect the family.” The film grossly ignores the significance of women in family dynamics.
The male protagonist in “Animal” perpetrates physical and emotional abuse on his wife, girlfriend, sister, and mother, consistently finding ways to justify his reprehensible actions. The film shockingly normalizes his transgressions by labeling him as an “animal.”
When movies like these have been shaping public perceptions for generations, it’s no wonder they contribute to the increase in rape culture in India. The persistent glorification of toxic masculinity, objectification of women, and trivialization of violence against them sends a perilous message. By consistently portraying dominance, abuse, and control as acceptable—even heroic—conduct, these films reinforce damaging attitudes that permeate society, fostering a culture where such actions are not just tolerated but celebrated.
Bollywood’s lingering influence in shaping societal norms extends to both positive and negative portrayals. While the industry continues to offer striking music, storytelling, and visuals, it must evolve to present more balanced and respectful portrayals of women. By addressing and correcting these harmful narratives, Bollywood has the power to foster more equitable social norms and contribute to the reduction of gender-based violence.
