"Cinema is a mirror to society, but what happens when the reflection
distorts reality? Movies like Animal, with their intense violence, toxic
relationships, and emotionally charged narratives, do more than
entertain—they shape how we think, feel, and act."
"Animal" is a film that delves deeply into themes of violence and
aggression, portraying numerous intense and graphic scenes throughout
its narrative. The protagonist, Ranvijay Singh, portrayed by Ranbir
Kapoor, exhibits violent tendencies as a means of coping with personal
and familial conflicts. His actions are depicted as a response to his
troubled relationship with his father, Balbir Singh, a powerful
industrialist.
The film is characterized by a series of violent confrontations, with
Ranvijay often resorting to brute force to address challenges. These
scenes are graphic and contribute to the film's reputation as one of the
most violent Indian films presented on the big screen.
Critics have noted that "Animal" is essentially a montage of one violent
scene after another, with a flimsy plot joining them. The film's
portrayal of violence is not just physical but also delves into the
psychological aspects, showcasing how the protagonist's upbringing and
familial relationships contribute to his aggressive behavior.
In summary, "Animal" presents a narrative deeply entrenched in violence,
using graphic scenes to explore complex themes of familial
relationships, personal identity, and the psychological impacts of
aggression
But in all these things we forgot how our mind works. Violent or
emotionally intense movies hold a unique power to shape viewers' minds,
often influencing their perceptions and behaviors in subtle but
impactful ways. By glorifying aggression or portraying emotionally
repressed characters as heroic, these films can reinforce harmful
patterns like toxic masculinity or normalize violence as an acceptable
solution to conflict. Over time, repeated exposure to such narratives
may desensitize audiences, narrow thinking patterns, and perpetuate
unhealthy stereotypes, leaving a lasting imprint on individual and
societal mindsets.
Movies are more than just a form of entertainment—they are powerful
tools for shaping perceptions, influencing how we view ourselves,
others, and the world around us. According to Albert Bandura's Social
Learning Theory, people learn behaviors by observing others,
particularly when those behaviors are modeled by admired figures, such
as movie characters. When protagonists use violence to solve problems or
embody traits like emotional repression, audiences may unconsciously
begin to mimic these behaviors, associating them with strength, heroism,
or success.
This glorification places psychological pressure on men to conform to
these portrayals, often causing them to internalize the belief that
masculinity is defined by aggression and emotional restraint. For many,
this can lead to difficulties in expressing emotions, building healthy
relationships, or seeking help when struggling with mental health
issues. It fosters a cycle where emotional detachment and aggression are
not only normalized but expected, marginalizing the value of empathy and
open communication.
At the same time, these portrayals perpetuate harmful gender
stereotypes. They position men as protectors and providers, while women
are often relegated to the role of emotional caretakers or passive
observers. This dichotomy reinforces traditional, narrow gender roles
that limit individual growth and perpetuate inequality.
Movies that glorify emotionally repressed, aggressive male characters
contribute significantly to the reinforcement of toxic masculinity. By
portraying such traits as synonymous with strength, heroism, and
dominance, these narratives send a message that vulnerability,
compassion, or emotional expression are weaknesses. Male protagonists
are often depicted as stoic protectors, solving conflicts through
violence and suppressing their emotions, creating unrealistic and
harmful ideals for men to emulate.
Impact on Thinking Patterns
The repetition of such narratives has a profound impact on thinking
patterns, especially when viewers are exposed to them from a young age.
Constantly seeing men depicted as protectors and problem-solvers through
aggression narrows the understanding of gender roles, encouraging the
belief that strength is inherently tied to dominance and violence.
Similarly, women in these movies are often shown as nurturers or sources
of emotional support, creating the impression that their primary role is
to care for others rather than assert themselves. These portrayals shape
societal expectations, making it difficult for individuals to break free
from predefined roles or embrace traits that fall outside these
stereotypes.
Ultimately, the repeated exposure to these themes limits viewers’
ability to appreciate diverse expressions of masculinity and femininity,
reinforcing rigid, outdated norms that stifle emotional growth and
perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
