How Did Angry Men Take Over Bollywood and What Does It Mean for India?

The Indian film industry in 2025 saw a stark shift back to traditional male-centric narratives, with the action thriller *Dhurandhar* dominating the box office and cultural conversations. This trend follows a year of significant recognition for women-led films in 2024, highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender representation in Bollywood and the broader Indian cinema landscape.

Last updated: 02 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As 2025 comes to a close, the Indian film industry is witnessing a resurgence of hypermasculine narratives, particularly in Bollywood. The success of films like *Dhurandhar*, set against the backdrop of India-Pakistan tensions, marks a return to familiar tropes of violence and male dominance in storytelling. This shift has overshadowed the previous year's notable achievements by female filmmakers, signalling a potential regression in the push for gender equality in the industry.

Key takeaways

• 2025 was marked by the dominance of male-led action films, overshadowing women's narratives.
• The box office success of *Dhurandhar* reflects a cultural preference for hypermasculine storytelling.
• Despite 2024's progress, the representation of women in Indian cinema remains limited.

Timeline: how we got here

The trajectory of women's representation in Indian cinema has been tumultuous. Key milestones include:

• 2024: Several women-led films such as *All We Imagine As Light* and *Girls Will Be Girls* gained international acclaim, suggesting a shift in narrative focus.
• 2025: The release of *Dhurandhar* and other male-driven blockbusters signals a return to traditional storytelling patterns, dominating box office revenue.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As of late 2025, the conversation in Indian cinema is heavily skewed towards male protagonists and action-oriented plots. This trend has been underscored by the overwhelming success of films that showcase traditional masculine virtues, often at the expense of female narratives.

What was already established

Historically, Bollywood's reliance on male-centric narratives has been evident, with major stars often leading the narrative charge. The previous year’s successes for women filmmakers indicated a potential shift that now appears to have stalled.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

UK audiences with an interest in Indian cinema may find the recent trends concerning, as they reflect broader societal attitudes towards gender representation and storytelling. The dominance of hypermasculine narratives can influence the types of films that are made available and promoted.

Businesses and jobs

For UK-based businesses involved in the distribution of Indian films, the shift back to male-led narratives could impact the types of films they choose to acquire and promote. There may be less investment in female-driven stories, affecting diversity in the industry.

Policy and regulation

As discussions around gender representation in cinema continue, UK policymakers and cultural institutions may need to engage with the implications of these trends, promoting initiatives that support diverse storytelling in the film industry.

Numbers that matter

• 43%: Proportion of action and crime thrillers on streaming platforms, mostly male-led.
• 12%: Percentage of female-led stories in Hindi cinema streaming titles in 2025, down from 31% in 2022.
• 1,550m rupees (£12.77m): Earnings of *Tere Ishk Mein*, a film that faced criticism for romanticising toxic masculinity.

Definitions and jargon buster

• OTT (Over-The-Top): Streaming services that deliver film and TV content directly to viewers via the internet.
• Hypermasculine: Referring to exaggerated male traits and behaviours, often portrayed in films as dominant and aggressive.
• Patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, audiences can expect continued discussions around the success of male-led films and the implications for women's representation in cinema.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As 2026 approaches, industry observers will be monitoring whether the trends of 2025 persist, or if there's a resurgence in female-led narratives, especially in the wake of critical discussions around gender equality.

Signals to watch

• Box office performance of upcoming female-led films.
• Changes in streaming platform offerings and their representation of gender in storytelling.
• Critical reception and public discourse surrounding films that challenge traditional narratives.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support independent filmmakers and women-led projects by attending screenings or promoting their work on social media.
• Engage in discussions about gender representation in films to raise awareness.

Don’t

• Avoid dismissing films that critique traditional narratives as mere commercial failures.
• Do not overlook the importance of diverse storytelling in cinema.

Checklist

• Watch a range of films, including independent and women-led projects.
• Follow discussions on social media regarding gender representation in cinema.
• Support initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in the film industry.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the current trends in Indian cinema reveal a strong return to male-driven narratives, it is crucial to recognise that this shift may not be permanent. The ongoing conversation around gender equality and representation is likely to continue evolving, influenced by audience demand, critical reception, and broader societal changes.

Bottom line

The Indian film industry faces a critical juncture as 2025's male-centric narratives dominate the box office. While the previous year's successes for women filmmakers offered hope, the current landscape suggests a regression. It remains essential for audiences and industry stakeholders to advocate for more diverse and inclusive storytelling in cinema.

FAQs

What is the significance of *Dhurandhar* in 2025?

*Dhurandhar* represents a continuation of the trend towards hypermasculine narratives in Indian cinema, becoming a defining hit and overshadowing female-led stories.

How did 2024 differ from 2025 in Indian cinema?

2024 saw a rise in recognition and success for women-led films, contrasting sharply with 2025's focus on male-driven action films and traditional narratives.

What challenges do female-led films face in the Indian film industry?

Female-led films often struggle for visibility and funding, particularly if not fronted by well-known male stars, making it difficult to compete with blockbuster male narratives.