As a lifelong cinephile who has witnessed the evolution of Indian cinema, I must say that this International Men’s Day, Netflix is truly shining a light on the modern-day heroes who are breaking barriers and redefining masculinity!
On International Men’s Day, let’s honor not only conventional concepts of manhood but also the contemporary males who break stereotypes and surpass assumptions. The old days are gone when men were limited by strict roles – modern movies present them as multifaceted, empathetic, and continually growing characters.
Explore how these five Netflix movies challenge stereotypes and reshape our understanding of masculinity. Here’s a glimpse into these thought-provoking productions that are redefining what it means to be a man, from portraying nurturing father figures to men embracing roles often associated with women.
International Men’s Day 2024: 5 films on Netflix showcasing new facets of men
1. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna – Shah Rukh Khan (Dev Saran)
In the movie Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Shah Rukh Khan’s character, Dev Saran, goes against conventional male roles. A life-changing injury causes him to stop working, leading his wife to become the family’s primary income earner instead. This situation defies the common stereotype that men are always responsible for financial support.
Dev’s journey through personal emotions and his pursuit of meaningful relationships signifies a change in the depiction of masculinity, emphasizing vulnerability and the significance of emotional bonds. His persona serves as an example of the evolving concept of masculinity, suggesting that a man’s value isn’t solely based on professional achievements or financial provision.
2. Lakshya – Hrithik Roshan (Karan Shergill)
In the film Lakshya, Hrithik Roshan’s character, Karan Shergill, deviates from the stereotypical career-focused hero common in war movies. Unlike these characters, Karan initially lacks a clear direction in life, not motivated by ambition or the pursuit of professional accomplishments.
Karan’s journey within the Indian Army isn’t just about combating external conflicts, but it’s equally about battling personal struggles as he navigates his initial sense of purposelessness. By sharing his story, Karan defies traditional expectations that men should always have a set career path and unwavering ambition. This narrative underscores the importance of embracing vulnerability and self-exploration in masculinity.
3. Mary Kom – Darshan Kumar (Onler Kom)
In the film “Mary Kom,” Priyanka Chopra’s captivating portrayal of the renowned boxer undeniably shines brightly. However, Darshan Kumar’s performance as Mary’s husband, Onler Kom, offers a welcome change to conventional masculine roles. Onler is depicted as a devoted spouse who prioritizes family life over personal ambitions, often taking on the traditionally female role of caring for their children while Mary focuses on her career. This characterization adds depth and nuance to the narrative, breaking away from typical gender stereotypes.
In the film, I proudly portray Onler’s commitment to nurturing his wife’s aspirations, which serves as a powerful counterpoint to the traditional notion that men should always be the main providers or career-driven individuals. Instead, it underscores the idea that a man’s strength can stem from his capacity to empower and support his partner.
4. Doctor G – Ayushmann Khurrana (Dr. Uday Gupta)
In the movie Doctor G, Ayushmann Khurrana portrays Dr. Uday Gupta, who chooses to practice gynecology, a field often thought of as female-dominated. This character’s experiences with vulnerability, imposter syndrome, and navigating a mostly female workplace not only shatters stereotypes but also questions the notion that men are inappropriate or unsuitable for women’s health professions.
Uday’s experience demonstrates that it is possible for men to succeed in professions that are predominantly female-identified, by exhibiting compassion and insight that transcend conventional expectations of masculinity.
5. Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl – Pankaj Tripathi (Gunjan’s Father)
In the film “Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl,” Pankaj Tripathi portrays Gunjan’s father, who significantly challenges traditional gender norms, particularly in the context of nurturing a daughter in a conservative environment. He treats both his son and daughter equally, fostering Gunjan’s aspirations to become a pilot, defying societal expectations that may have otherwise impeded her path.
He defies the traditional belief that fathers should solely mold sons to carry on their legacy. Rather, he embodies modern parenthood, advocating for his daughter’s aspirations and championing equal opportunities without regard to one’s gender.
Each character here showcases the changing depiction of males in Indian films. They move beyond conventional roles, demonstrating that genuine manhood is not bound by strict definitions, but rather by the ability to assist, understand, and sometimes accept roles previously deemed unsuitable for men.
On International Men’s Day, these characters exemplify that the essence of masculinity encompasses diversity, kindness, and ongoing evolution.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-11-19 16:40