In recent years, Indian cinema has witnessed a noticeable rise in hypermasculine male protagonists. These characters are often portrayed as violent, emotionally volatile, possessive, and morally ambiguous
men whose aggression is framed as power, passion, or heroism. While such portrayals have generated enormous box-office success, they have also sparked intense debates about misogyny, toxic masculinity, and the social impact of popular cinema.
In a recent chat with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kalyani Priyadarshan and Ananya Panday were asked to weigh in on the matter and express what they think about this new wave. “I don’t know if it’s the masculinity aspect. I believe the audience directs where cinema is going, not producers sitting behind a desk,” Kalyani said.
“Right now, this trend, and I call this a trend because I don’t think it is going to last, it is what’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, but I believe it’s a trend,” she said
Ananya Panday added, “It feels repetitive in that sense, everyone wants to make what’s working.” She mentioned that since they are in an industry where models are often replicated to ensure success, once a project becomes a hit, others follow the same formula.
Kareena added, “Now I think it’s all thriller, crime, gore, blood. No fun, energy, colour, love, romance.” All three actresses pointed out that the solution to this problem is not with the filmmakers or actors alone, but that a collective effort is needed.
Traditionally, Bollywood heroes were often romantic, idealistic, or morally upright figures. From the gentle lovers of the 1990s to the charming “chocolate boy” archetype of the 2000s, masculinity on screen was frequently tied to emotional vulnerability and romantic devotion. However, the last decade has seen a shift toward the “alpha male” hero—aggressive, domineering, and unapologetically violent.
Filmmakers and industry insiders themselves have acknowledged this trend. Recent blockbusters have leaned heavily into what some call “front-footed alpha energy,” which has proven commercially successful despite controversies surrounding misogyny and violence.
