Theraverse . April 4, 2024

Movies have been a part and parcel of our lives now, it has penetrated the homes of millions. It initially may have been for entertainment and glorified chaos of the fandom, but along with leisure, it has also been creating quite some impact on various levels. While it is true that there are many people mimicking unhealthy acts from films like teenagers latched onto Local trains or resorting to substance use as a coping mechanism, because the actors supposedly made it look “cool” on screen. It is also irrefutable that there can be positive consequences from movies. A couple of films in the recent past that created a positive ripple would be, Godha, Chak de India, Jersey, Dangal, and 12th fail to name a few.

In recent times, the movie Arjun Reddy by Sandeep Reddy Vanga portrayed toxic masculinity. Arjun Reddy, released in 2017, gained attention for its bold portrayal of a flawed protagonist dealing with love, heartbreak, and substance abuse. The movie’s raw depiction of human emotions and relationships sparked debates about its impact on youth mental health, and normalization of toxic Masculinity. Critics argue that “Arjun Reddy” romanticizes toxic masculinity through its protagonist’s aggressive behavior, possessiveness, and disregard for boundaries. Young male viewers may internalize these traits as desirable or acceptable, potentially perpetuating harmful relationship dynamics and attitudes towards women. Idealization of this intense and obsessive love depicted in “Arjun Reddy” could influence young viewers’ perceptions of romantic relationships, leading them to prioritize passion over mutual respect and consent. This idealization of love may contribute to unrealistic expectations and unhealthy attachment patterns among youth.

While Arjun Reddy addresses themes of mental health and addiction, some critics argue that it falls short in its portrayal of these issues. The protagonist’s self-destructive behavior is often romanticized, overshadowing the importance of seeking help and addressing underlying mental health concerns. This could reinforce stigma surrounding mental illness and discourage young people from seeking support when needed.

The movie promotes a patriarchal society where men are given superiority. Perpetuating such age old ideologies and gender constructs through powerful mediums like cinema might restrict people in expressing themselves authentically. Watching these kind of movies gives the audience a chance to normalize and accept this kind of behavior.

Another example would be REMO 2016 directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan. The movie normalizes stalking. This is a troubling trend that can have a significant influence on youth perceptions and behaviors regarding relationships. This trend is not limited to any single film industry but can be seen across various cultures and movie genres. By portraying stalking or obsessive behavior as a symbol of true love or devotion, films such as these can inadvertently send misleading messages to impressionable audiences, particularly young viewers who are still forming their understanding of healthy relationships.

When movies depict stalking as a romantic or heroic pursuit, it can lead to the romanticization of behaviors that are, in reality, forms of harassment or violation of privacy. This portrayal can blur the lines between genuine romantic interest and coercive or inappropriate behavior. These kinds of portrayals can shape a young individual’s expectations of how love should be pursued or expressed. Some may come to believe that persistence to the point of stalking is not only acceptable but necessary to prove one’s love, leading to unrealistic and harmful expectations in their own relationships. Normalization and constant desensitized exposure to such themes can make it harder for individuals to recognize the signs of unhealthy behavior, both in their actions and in those of others, potentially leading to acceptance of such behaviors in their lives.

These narratives also often reinforce gender stereotypes, with males typically portrayed as the pursuers and females as passive objects of desire. This dynamic can perpetuate harmful gender norms and expectations, affecting how young men and women perceive their roles in relationships and society.

Influencing Victim Responses: The portrayal of stalking as romantic or endearing can also impact how victims of such behaviors perceive their experiences and how they choose to respond. They may minimize their discomfort or hesitate to seek help, fearing that their reactions are overblown or misinterpret actions that are genuinely harmful as romantic gestures.

Sometimes the media we consume, can have a direct impact on our moods. Some movies can also act as triggers to traumatic past experiences, while some others could fulfill a fantasy we never got to live out. It is important to be mindful of how our response to such movies change. Noticing any changes and sitting with what those scenes are bringing up in us could help us regulate our emotions better. Seeking professional help in case you notice any experiences coming up that you would like to process better would be ideal.

By Anand Prabin k (Intern at Talk Therapy Clinic)