WHY MALE VICTIMHOOD SELLS?
There has been a lot of buzz surrounding a recent Tamil movie for its diabolical portrayal of the female protagonist. In the film, the female lead falls in love with the male protagonist and proposes to him who dismisses her initially. But when he falls back in love with her 6 months later, she is already with someone else who soon gets pregnant with his child but is now forced to marry the male protagonist owing to circumstances. The hero is well aware of her situation and still proceeds to “fake marry” her so that he can unite the lovers silently later while sacrificing his love. And then, he is heartbroken. At the end, the heroine lives a life she always needed but at the cost of his. Now do you see where all the problems started? Don't you?
The movie could have silently portrayed the struggles of both protagonists as they navigate life through this complex situation. It would have been widely accepted and also would have served as a solution for the modern-day problems. But instead, do you know what the movie does? It portrays the hero as the saviour—the martyr who gives up his life for the sake of his love and works on getting his “fake wife” married to her lover later. The heroine’s initial heartbreak is portrayed as a joke, her choices demeaned vulgarly and her love and wishes dismissed. But the hero! Oh, dear lord. He is the ultimate man who gets his heart broken by a vile woman whose heart has turned into stone. Now insert some feminist dialogues and anti-casteist notions (only good part, honestly) to make the hero look better so people can overlook what he actually tries to portray.
I heard the film is already nearing a 100-crore collection despite the outrage. Because a part of the society is enjoying and praising the movie for its “realistic” portrayal and outstanding performance. Seriously? Why do such movies get celebrated in the first place? You know why? Because pleasing men is relatively simple. It just needs a simple recipe - either insert a heartbroken helpless man who is cheated by the girl or a man with gravity-defying combat skills who saves the woman. Oh God! Don't they watch themselves on screen though? And still love playing the saviour all the time? Or a victim?
And did I mention the hero always looks like the boy next door who is in his natural skin tone with shabby hair who manages to woo the fair-skinned heroine who is multitalented. It is even portrayed as their achievement. Because what else is a woman for if a man cannot “win” her?
Most of the men who watch movies see themselves in these alpha and sigma men, and they love watching their fantasies come true on screen. Their egos are satisfied, their dreams fulfilled, and their so-called martyr complex is validated. It becomes so easy for them to believe and identify themselves with such men rather than accepting a woman who is confident and comfortable in her own skin. When women in real life know their worth and do not give them this much-needed validation, they resort to movies to seek it themselves. And filmmakers have always worked on this formula and have succeeded too.
The solution, you ask? Well, unless we have enough women filmmakers, who will break the pattern and give us something that is real and anti-hero worship, this journey is going to be a struggle we will have to tolerate. But at least we can raise our voices and boycott such projects, so they know that this won't sell anymore. What are your thoughts?
This is a part of #BlogchatterHalfMarathon and the Real and Rhythm Bloghop for #Everyconversationmatters hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed
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I had to read twice to get to the complexity of the plot, or rather the character of the hero.
ReplyDeleteThis is indeed a complex plot. ... I don't watch many movies. I think generally victimhood, be it man or woman, gains some traction with people. I haven't tried go deep into this like you have. But you have interesting points.
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I couldn’t help wondering: why didn’t you mention the name of the movie that inspired this discussion? It would’ve helped me (and other readers) tie the arguments back to a specific work and dig deeper. This topic deserves more of the spotlight you’ve turned on it. Thanks for sparking this important conversation.
ReplyDeleteSince I haven't watched the movie, I can't express an opinion. The plot seems ok with me; what would matter is how that is presented. If someone tells me the plot of Othello in a nutshell, I'd be revolted. But when I read the play or watch the movie, it's a different matter.
ReplyDeleteAs Pradeep says above, victimhood has its charm in movies. But art has a lot more to say...to show...
Interesting take — and honestly, as a man, it stings a little because it’s partly true. Male victimhood does get packaged and sold in ways that paint us as misunderstood heroes, and sometimes we buy into it because it’s easier than confronting our flaws or privilege. But at the same time, real struggles do exist, and society rarely gives men space to express vulnerability without mockery. Your piece calls out both extremes, and that’s what makes it worth reflecting on.
ReplyDeleteI feel nowadays more than unique storytelling it's more about using the formula for hit movies and presenting what goes viral and creating scenes that might go viral as a reel. I feel as an audience too we sometimes fail the real experimental storytellers!
ReplyDeleteWhich twisted movie has such a story? I haven't watched this. I would only do a eye roll for such movies. I don't expect movies to teach us or show us anything that is true or real. I watch purely for entertainment while eating. Hahaha!
ReplyDeleteCinema portrays a lot, but it doesn't have to be taken as real. It is art in its own way and most cinematic representations are meant for commercial gains. We can choose to watch what we relate to.
ReplyDeleteAnimal and Arjun Reddy are the two movies that came to my mind when I read your post.The rise of feminist movies like Thappad and Pink have given rise to some cinema goers to think about feminism, and then bam some hyper-masculine movie comes to drag us down back to the middle-ages. I understand your frustration with such movies, but as you said, unless there are more movies created by women filmmakers we are doomed to such baloney.
ReplyDeleteThat is pathetic, but the reality. We need more men comfortable in their skins and willing to look at women as equal human beings. Maybe those movies could be made by men.
ReplyDeleteThe algorithm has been throwing some interesting tweets my way around characters and how characters, much like plots, tropes, etc are simply tools that the storyteller uses to get their point across. It is sad that storytellers resort to gimmicks and labels instead of simply telling a human story.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said. You’ve peeled back the layers of the film without losing sight of the bigger picture. Your take hits like truth usually does—quiet, sharp, and necessary.
ReplyDeleteI believe a storyteller should be genuine, honest and unbiased in their views. From your post, I reminded myself of the facts I try to stick to all along my journey as a storyteller. - Swarnali Nath
ReplyDeleteToxicity and chauvinism is imbibed into our cultures, be it any state or religion. The slew of filth in the name of Kabir Singh, Animal etc taints the woman and makes her the glorified villain as against the ma, who conveniently does anything he wants in the name of love. Would love to know the movie you are talking about.
ReplyDeleteGlorifying male victimisation by portraying men as either saints or victims is a trope that seems to be a ploy against creating strong women characters who are comfortable in their own skin. Of course, vilifying women is a regressive way of hitting back at society. Yes, we do need women film makers to set these skewed notions aright. Or brave male directors who are willing to do the same!
ReplyDeleteThat is a twisted plot for sure & as rightly said women need to claim more spaces otherwise they will always be wrongly portrayed. A thought provoking piece.
ReplyDeleteThe plot totally got me confused, name of the characters at least would have helped. However, I found the theme of the movie really twisted. Have Intrigued me to search and watch the movie to understand my take on it better.
ReplyDeleteMost filmmakers make what sells in theatres. But yes, I'll need to watch the movie to judge on it.
ReplyDeleteI wish you had named the movie to be able to give an informed opinion.I think it is safe to say that the general sentiment favours the one who is portrayed as a victim , it can be the old sick Mother , the wife or the husband. A lot is up to the director how he wishes to tell his story.Good ones try to give a nuanced one.
ReplyDeleteI have loved female film makers portraying male characters. The opposite does not go quite well though, as you rightly said.
ReplyDeleteI have seen some really bogus scripts being made these days. No wonder such films sell only because the majority celebrates such films. I wish you have included the name as well but I will make sure to stay away from any such plot!!
ReplyDeleteWell said! I feel like you are speaking my mind; if I could channel my rage into words, this is it. It’s exhausting how frequently plots revolve around male victimhood and subsequent "cringe" redemption arcs in this modern era, particularly when they overshadow more compelling narratives. Our cinema is already rich with superheroes and Wonder Women, so these self-pitying victim plots are a waste of energy and screen time. We need stories that elevate, not reinforce tired tropes.
ReplyDeleteThis reminded me of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. That had a similar (kind of) plot. Which Tamil movie is this?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the saying 'jo bikta hai wahi banta hai' stands true when it comes to commercial filmmaking in India. And yes having gender diversity in the writing and making of films is one solution to ending this.
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a toxic plot and it's worrying to see it's selling like hot cake. Women with broken hearts have never been given any importance in cinema, it's always the guy's tears that rake in moolah. Wonder who can convince people the reality is exactly opposite.
ReplyDeletethe plot sounds something I will never watch but I would like to know about it. whats the Movie's name?
ReplyDelete