Actors Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ananya Panday and Kalyani Priyadarshan recently shared their thoughts on the increasing presence of hypermasculine male protagonists in Indian cinema.
In recent years, several films have featured male leads portrayed as intense, aggressive and morally complex characters. These roles often depict violence and emotional volatility as symbols of power or heroism. While such portrayals have performed strongly at the box office, they have also sparked discussions about toxic masculinity and the broader influence of cinema on society.
During a conversation cited by IndyaStory, the actors spoke about the trend and how audience preferences often shape the direction of the film industry.
“Audience decides where cinema goes,” says Kalyani Priyadarshan
Kalyani Priyadarshan suggested that the rise of such characters is largely driven by audience demand rather than decisions made solely by filmmakers.
According to her, the current storytelling style appears to be influenced by a push for highly sensational scenes that capture attention.
She also described the phenomenon as a temporary phase, explaining that filmmakers often rely on spectacle — including violence — to create dramatic impact. While acknowledging its popularity, she said the trend can feel unsettling at times but believes it may not last forever.
Ananya Panday on repetition of successful formulas
Ananya Panday pointed out that the industry often tends to repeat storytelling formulas that prove successful.
She noted that once a particular type of film becomes a hit at the box office, many projects start adopting similar themes or styles. As a result, audiences may see repeated patterns in storytelling across different films.
Kareena Kapoor Khan reflects on changing cinematic tone
Meanwhile, Kareena Kapoor Khan spoke about how certain genres currently dominate the cinematic landscape.
She observed that many films today revolve around darker themes such as thrillers, crime and violence. According to the actor, the industry appears to be moving away from lighter elements like colourful storytelling, romance and energetic entertainment that were once common in mainstream cinema.
Changing trends require audience participation
Despite their observations, the actors emphasised that responsibility for shifting cinematic trends does not rest solely with filmmakers or performers. They suggested that meaningful change would require both the film industry and audiences to collectively support different kinds of stories.
If viewers begin embracing a wider variety of narratives, filmmakers may also explore more diverse storytelling styles.
Upcoming projects
On the professional front, Ananya Panday was last seen in the film Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, directed by Sameer Vidwans and co-starring Kartik Aaryan, Jackie Shroff and Neena Gupta.
Kareena Kapoor Khan is reportedly expected to return for the next installment of the popular comedy franchise Golmaal 5. She will also appear in the film Daayra, directed by Meghna Gulzar, alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Meanwhile, Kalyani Priyadarshan was last seen in Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. Reports suggest she may reunite with the film’s team for director Jai Mehta’s upcoming horror thriller Pralay.
