Some of the Indian films show angry heroes, romantic stalkers, overprotective brothers or violent saviours. These films perpetuate harm under the guise of heroism. In this article, we take a deep dive into some of the most prominent Indian films that glorify toxic masculinity.
Movies that glorify toxic masculinity
1. Animal
Where to watch: Netflix
IMDb rating: 6.1/10
About the movie: Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna starrer Animal glorifies male rage, paternal dominance and emotional repression. It revolves around the son of a wealthy industrialist who returns to India, undergoes a massive transformation and becomes consumed with vengeance against those threatening his father’s life.
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2. Tere Naam
Where to watch: Zee5
IMDb rating: 7.5/10
About the movie: A cult movie in the early 2000s, Tere Naam, follows the story of Radhe, a troubled man who forcefully pursues a girl and is put in a mental hospital after he undergoes a heartbreak. Salman Khan starrer shows Radhe’s violent tendencies and obsession as passion, glorifying toxic masculinity.
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3. Arjun Reddy
Where to watch: JioHotstar
IMDb rating: 7.9/10
About the movie: The Telugu movie Arjun Reddy starring Vijay Deverakonda, glorified toxic masculinity. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the movie romanticised Arjun’s explosive anger. He beats people, throws tantrums and threatens others. Additionally, he sees Preeti as his possession and dominates her physically and emotionally.
4. Raanjhanaa
Where to watch: Zee5
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
About the movie: Directed by Aanand L Rai, Raanjhanaa stars Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor, and Abhay Deol. The movie is a tale of unrequited love, but as we dig deeper into the movie, it glorifies stalking. Dhanush’s character, Kundan, repeatedly follows, harasses and manipulates Zoya.
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5. Kabir Singh
Where to watch: Netflix
IMDb rating: 7/10
About the movie: Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Kabir Singh starring Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani is a perfect example of the glorification of toxic masculinity. Remake of Arjun Reddy, the film shows how Kabir is a self-destructive, abusive and short-tempered surgeon who drinks heavily, bullies his friends and slaps his girlfriend in the name of ‘true love’.
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6. Gangs of Wasseypur
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
About the movie: Gangs of Wasseypur, directed by Anurag Kashyap, undeniably glorifies toxic masculinity. Each male character, from Shahid to Sardar Khan, is driven by ego and vendetta, often sacrificing their families in the process. For example, Sardar Khan treats his wife with disrespect and cheats on her.
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7. Pushpa franchise
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
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About the movie: Allu Arjun starrer, Pushpa franchise, is directed by Sukumar. It glorifies toxic masculinity by flirting inappropriately despite rejections and only getting love after he becomes powerful, showing the idea that dominance earns affection.