Beyond The Glitz And Glam: Unmasking Sexism In Bollywood's Biggest Hits

Bollywood, the glitzy world of Indian cinema, has often been a platform for progressive storytelling. However, there are instances when regressive and sexist movies strike gold at the box office, leaving audiences baffled. In this captivating article, we delve into the controversial films that managed to capture the audience's attention despite their problematic content and reinforced stereotypes. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride through the murky depths of Bollywood's sexist hits!

Dabangg: The Unapologetic Machismo Phenomenon

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First on our list is the explosive blockbuster 'Dabangg,' which catapulted Salman Khan into the realm of larger-than-life heroes. This testosterone-fueled film celebrates toxic masculinity, with Khan's character, Chulbul Pandey, embodying all the traits of a macho man. From his dismissive attitude towards women to his reliance on violence as a problem-solving tool, Chulbul Pandey reigns supreme as the poster boy for regressive masculinity. Despite the alarm bells, the audience couldn't resist the allure of his swagger.

Saaho: Women In Distress And Distressingly So

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This high-octane action extravaganza starring Prabhas and Shraddha Kapoor quickly descended into a whirlwind of disappointment for its portrayal of women. Instead of empowering female characters, the movie relegated them to damsels in distress. Helpless and waiting to be rescued, these women lacked agency and independence, reinforcing the age-old stereotype that women are fragile creatures in need of a saviour.

Sanju: The Women Left In The Shadows

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'Sanju,' a biographical drama chronicling the controversial life of Sanjay Dutt, seemed poised for greatness. However, the film crumbled under the weight of its sexist undertones. While it delved into the complex world of the troubled artist, it conveniently sidelined the female characters. They existed solely to prop up the male protagonist, devoid of any real substance or individuality.

Housefull Series: When Crude Humour Crosses The Line

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Hold on tight as we venture into the 'Housefull' series, infamous for its crass humour and relentless objectification of women. From tasteless jokes to shameless objectification, these films stoop to new lows in the name of entertainment. The female characters become mere eye candy, subjected to lewd comments, and reduced to props for the male gaze. Despite the blatant sexism, the series garnered a massive following, raising serious concerns about the acceptance of such content in mainstream cinema.

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Pyaar Ka Punchnama: A Monologue Drenched In Misogyny

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Last but not least, we delve into the provocative 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama,' a trilogy that set tongues wagging with its controversial monologue. Kartik Aaryan's character unleashed a tirade against women, fueling a firestorm of misogyny. This diatribe reduced women to manipulative beings and perpetuated negative stereotypes about their behaviour in relationships. Surprisingly, this outrageously misogynistic rant struck a chord with young audiences, making 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama' a cult classic.

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While Bollywood has produced groundbreaking films that challenge societal norms, it is equally guilty of perpetuating regressive narratives. These five films, despite their blatant sexism, managed to captivate audiences and dominate the box office. As responsible consumers of media, it's essential for us to critically analyse and reject content that reinforces harmful stereotypes and objectifies women. By supporting movies that champion equality and inclusivity, we can push Bollywood towards a future where sexism and gender bias are mere relics of the past.