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Naseeruddin Shah Right? Indian Cinema's Alpha Heroes Dominate
5 Jul
Summary
- Naseeruddin Shah's 2023 theory on hyper-masculine heroes is re-examined.
- Nine of the twelve biggest Indian film hits featured a hyper-masculine lead.
- Sensitive and ensemble cast films show strong commercial viability.
In 2023, Naseeruddin Shah theorized that rising male insecurity fueled the emphasis on hyper-masculine heroes in Indian cinema, citing films like RRR and Pushpa as examples. He suggested audiences, particularly women, preferred sensitive storytelling.
Box office numbers from 2024 to mid-2026 largely support Shah's observation. Pushpa 2 (2024) and Dhurandhar (2025) were massive hits, grossing over Rs 1,742.10 crore and Rs 1,300 crore respectively. These films, along with others like Kalki 2898 AD and Kantara: Chapter 1, heavily feature dominant, powerful male protagonists.
Despite this trend, Shah's other prediction also holds true. Films like Saiyaara (2025), a romance, achieved Rs 570.33 crore without relying on action heroes. Furthermore, ensemble-driven horror comedies such as Stree 2 (2024) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024) also found considerable success, indicating a bifurcated market.
The data reveals that while the biggest commercial successes still lean towards spectacle and male dominance, there is substantial audience and financial viability for sensitive narratives and stories driven by multiple characters, confirming a nuanced landscape in Indian cinema.
