In the glitzy world of Indian cinema, where hyper-masculinity often takes center stage, there’s one legendary actor who’s decided to take a different route. Naseeruddin Shah, a three-time National Film Award winner, recently opened up about his aversion to movies like RRR and Pushpa: The Rise. Let’s delve into why this seasoned actor prefers to steer clear of the “hyper-masculine” frenzy and what he thinks the Indian film industry needs.
The Hyper-Masculinity Phenomenon
In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema, hyper-masculinity has consistently been a blockbuster formula. From the iconic “angry young men” era to more contemporary examples like Arjun Reddy and Kabir Singh, these movies have struck gold at the box office. However, Naseeruddin Shah, a veteran with a unique perspective, has reservations.
A Candid Chat with Naseeruddin Shah
Naseeruddin Shah shared his candid thoughts during an episode of “Be A Man, Yaar!” with Nikhil Taneja, shedding light on why he’s not a fan of blockbuster flicks like RRR and Pushpa. He pointed out that films like “Kabir Singh,” which glorify hyper-masculinity, contribute to the growing insecurity among men. This trend, he believes, stems from a shifting societal landscape where masculinity is being redefined.
The Marvel Effect Legend
Naseeruddin Shah drew a parallel to Marvel films, which have successfully portrayed powerful superhero narratives in the United States. He noted a similar trend emerging in India. However, he stressed that movies with a more realistic approach, like “A Wednesday,” have also found success. Shah’s National Film Award-winning film had a premise deemed “completely impossible,” yet it resonated with audiences because of the thrill it provided.
The Importance of “Smaller Films”
The esteemed actor firmly believes that “smaller films” crafted by directors like Anurag Kashyap and “sensitive movies” like “Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi” (in which he stars) and “Gulmohar” (featuring Sharmila Tagore) have their own place in the industry. These films, often overshadowed by their larger-than-life counterparts, offer a different kind of cinematic experience.
No Tickets for RRR and Pushpa Legend Movies
When it comes to blockbusters like “RRR” and “Pushpa,” Naseeruddin Shah doesn’t mince his words. He declared, “I am pretty sure because I have great faith in the younger generation and I think that they are far more evolved, far more informed and far more savvy than we were. Apart from the thrill, I can’t imagine what else one gets from watching such films. I tried to watch RRR, but I couldn’t. I tried to watch Pushpa, but I couldn’t.” Clearly, these films don’t align with his cinematic taste.
A Shoutout to Mani Ratnam
In a refreshing twist, Naseeruddin Shah had glowing words for Mani Ratnam’s “Ponniyin Selvan.” He praised Ratnam’s directorial prowess, noting that his films don’t carry any hidden agendas. Shah watched the film in its entirety, highlighting the happiness that lingers long after viewing, something he can’t associate with hyper-masculine blockbusters. He stated firmly, “Main aisi films dekhne kabhi na jaaun” – a declaration that he’ll never watch such films.
RRR and Pushpa’s Oscar Journey
Interestingly, “RRR,” starring Jr NTR and Ram Charan, made history at the Oscars in 2023. MM Keeravani and Chandrabose’s “Naatu Naatu” from the film won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The movie also received a Golden Globe for the same category and was nominated for Best Non-English Language Film. “RRR” achieved further recognition with six National Film Awards and a sequel reportedly in the works.
Pushpa’s National Film Awards
On the other side of the spectrum, “Pushpa: The Rise” also made waves in the film industry. The movie garnered two National Film Awards, with GQ MOTY 2022 winner Allu Arjun receiving his first-ever National Film Award for Best Actor. Audiences can anticipate the release of “Pushpa 2: The Rule” on Independence Day in 2024.
In the end, Naseeruddin Shah’s perspective sheds light on the evolving tastes and preferences of Indian audiences. While blockbusters like “RRR” and “Pushpa” may continue to rule the box office, there’s an undeniable appreciation for diverse, thought-provoking cinema that resonates with a different audience altogether.
