5 Netflix movie characters with negative shades who stayed with us for long

As a lifestyle expert with a keen eye for storytelling and a heart for understanding complex characters, I find these Netflix movies to be thought-provoking masterpieces that delve deep into the human psyche. Each character portrayed has a unique journey that sheds light on societal issues, personal pain, and the gray area between right and wrong.


Characters who embody negative traits significantly contribute to storytelling by introducing conflict, challenging the protagonists, and propelling the narrative. While some antagonists are purely malevolent, others are intricately shaped by their experiences, provoking us to ponder their circumstances and mentality. In this sense, you have likely encountered numerous complex, thought-provoking negative characters in Bollywood productions throughout the years.

Occasionally, a character’s past uncovers significant societal concerns and mental health aspects or exposes personal struggles. Even though these circumstances don’t excuse their harmful actions, they invite deeper contemplation. Here are five Netflix movies that feature complex characters who engage in thoughtful discussions about morality.

Top 5 Netflix movies with thought-provoking negative characters

 

1. Kabir Singh in Kabir Singh

  • Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
  • Release Date: June 21, 2019
  • Genre: Romance, Drama
  • Run Time: 174 minutes
  • Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Soham Majumdar

Whether Kabir Singh, portrayed by Shahid Kapoor, was a positive or negative character in the movie is open to interpretation, but he displayed certain traits of a toxic anti-hero that earned him a spot on this list. His clinginess and rage overshadowed his love story with Preeti (Kiara Advani), turning him into more of an antagonist than a romantic lead.

His actions frequently lead to hurt for both him and her, yet we also observe a sensitive aspect of him, revealing a deeply affectionate man yearning for love. Furthermore, the portrayal of his emotional turmoil and unrelenting infatuation with Preeti highlights a darker side of his personality, provoking thought about his nature.

2. Technology in CTRL

  • Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
  • Release Date: October 4, 2024 
  • Genre: Cyber Thriller 
  • Run Time: 99 minutes 
  • Cast: Ananya Panday, Vihaan Samat

As an ardent admirer, I must express my fascination with the captivating series, CTRL. What sets this show apart is its insightful exploration of how technology can transform from a helpful tool into a destructive force in our lives. Through the character of Nella, brilliantly portrayed by Ananya Panday, we witness her relentless struggle to harmonize her digital existence with tangible human connections. Yet, when she stumbles, she unwittingly surrenders control to AI, which escalates its dominance and encroaches upon her personal sphere.

While technology may appear villainous in the movie, it isn’t inherently malicious. Its impact greatly depends on how it’s utilized, as it can be incredibly beneficial for numerous purposes. This raises a thought-provoking discussion about society’s reliance on technology and how control ultimately lies with you, not your tools.

3. Vikrant Mehra in Dil Dhadakne Do

  • Director: Zoya Akhtar
  • Release Date: June 5, 2015
  • Genre: Comedy, Drama
  • Run Time: 170 minutes
  • Cast: Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Farhan Akhtar

Observing a character like Vikrant, portrayed by Rahul Bose, might have made you develop strong dislike towards him. He holds traditional, outdated views on women, including his wife Ayesha (Priyanka Chopra), and believes that men should have the authority to dictate their wives’ lives.

It’s clear that his mother shares the same line of thought, which suggests that he has been shaped by his upbringing to think this way. His controlling behavior is more a reflection of his mindset rather than intentional cruelty. This brings forth the critical question: Are we as a society ready for a change in our collective mindset?

4. Sheela Maasi in Gangubai Kathiawadi


  • Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
  • Release Date: February 25, 2022
  • Genre: Biographical Crime, Drama
  • Run Time: 157 minutes
  • Cast: Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Shantanu Maheshwari

In a different phrasing: Seema Pahwa portrays Sheela Massi, who operates an illicit brothel, forcibly bringing in women and treating them unfairly, making her a ruthless oppressor. Despite her negative persona, there are instances where we glimpse a brief softening of her demeanor before she reverts back to her harsh character.

She may come across as selfish, yet her veiled remarks hint at past struggles that contributed to her developing a less-than-favorable personality. Her actions, however, often reveal that she resorts to harsh decisions born out of necessity rather than inherent malice.

5. Rishu in Haseen Dillruba

  • Director: Vinil Matthew
  • Release Date: July 2, 2021
  • Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Romance
  • Run Time: 135 minutes
  • Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey, Harshvardhan Rane

In a more natural and easier-to-understand phrasing, the character portrayed by Vikrant Massey, named Rishu, starts off as an ordinary man. However, he gradually exhibits characteristics like jealousy and insecurity. His feelings intensify to such an extent that he’s willing to break the law and transgress boundaries.

In my perspective as a lifestyle expert, it’s clear that Rishu’s actions are questionable, as he seems to be masking his mistakes by trying to shift the blame elsewhere. However, I believe this behavior stems from deep emotional wounds – perhaps feelings of betrayal and unrequited love that have left him hurt and confused. His transformation into a figure who appears villainous serves as a stark reminder of how profound pain can shape our actions and identity.

Reflecting upon these complex characters, I find myself pondering over the intricate blend of right and wrong they embody. Their actions, though questionable, are often fueled by powerful influences, pressures, or deep-seated pain. Life’s harsh realities have molded some into figures we may label as ‘villains’. Among them, who do I believe wields the title of the greatest villain? That is a challenging question, for their stories are interwoven with layers of suffering and choice.

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2024-10-31 11:09