In a recent exclusive interview, exhibitor and trade expert Akshaye Rathi declared Ranbir Kapoor’s latest film, ‘Animal,’ as a significant game-changer in the realm of Bollywood heroes. Rathi emphasized the film’s transformative impact on cinema syntax, stating that it delves into polarizing themes that spark crucial conversations. He noted that the aggressive polarization generated buzz around the film, contributing to its success at the box office.
With no Khan movies slated for 2024, industry insiders are contemplating whether the next generation of superstars can replicate the box office triumphs of 2023.
Commenting on the rising popularity of the antihero in ‘Animal,’ Rathi remarked, “We have had movies like ‘Khalnayak,’ ‘Don 2,’ and so many others which had the anti-hero, which is perfectly fine. Ultimately, it is how engaging and entertaining your film is.” He downplayed the morality aspect, emphasizing the impact and storytelling of ‘Animal’ as witnessed through its impressive box office numbers.
Girish Wankhede shared a similar sentiment, stating that the audience has consistently embraced anti-hero films throughout the years. He pointed out that films like ‘Pushpa,’ ‘KGF,’ ‘Jawan,’ and ‘Animal’ indicate a resurgence of the trend. Wankhede highlighted the historical presence of antiheroes in Indian cinema and their portrayal as anti-establishment figures with a certain edge.
He further compared the characteristics of the new antihero in ‘Animal’ to those from the past, noting that the contemporary version is more violent, abusive, and temperamental. According to Wankhede, the success of these films in 2023 suggests a changing taste in Indian audiences, with the acceptance of the action genre coupled with a significant dose of violence.
Ramesh Bala, an analyst of South cinema, emphasized the enduring appeal of action and macho heroes. Drawing parallels to Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic ‘Angry young man’ persona, Bala noted that figures like Ranbir Kapoor and Prabhas exemplify the modern-day macho hero that resonates with mass audiences. He pointed out that the current demographic of moviegoers, particularly men aged 18 to 34, seeks larger-than-life heroes over the traditional boy-next-door characters for a movie to become a big hit. The success of Prabhas’s ‘Salaar’ further supports the resurgence of action and macho heroes at the box office.
