Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah is known not only for his acting but also for speaking his mind openly. Whether it’s politics, the film industry, or social issues, the actor never hesitates to express his opinions. Often, his statements stir controversy. This time, he has criticized the portrayal of masculinity in mainstream films, targeting Bollywood movies that excessively glorify machismo and demean women.
Called hyper-masculine films «sick» During a discussion at the Kerala Literature Festival, Malayalam actress Parvathy Thiruvothu questioned him about the depiction of masculinity in mainstream cinema. Responding, Shah said the success of such «sick» films reflects the state of the society we live in. He further added, «I don’t know if this is the face of our society or a reflection of its fantasies.»
Hit films promoting male dominance are scary At the festival, Shah stated that such films cater to the secret fantasies of men who view women as inferior. He expressed concern over the widespread acceptance of these films among general audiences, calling it «very scary» and indicative of the horrific treatment of women in many parts of the country.
Admitted doing some films just for money During the event, Shah also acknowledged that he had done a few films in his career solely for financial reasons. He said, «It’s true that I’ve done some films just for money. I don’t think anyone should be ashamed of working for money—we all do it. But these are the works I regret. Fortunately, people don’t remember your bad work. As an actor, they only remember your good performances.»
Previously called ‘Gadar 2’, ‘The Kerala Story’ harmful In a 2023 interview, Shah had labeled films like ‘Gadar 2’, ‘The Kerala Story’, and ‘The Kashmir Files’ as harmful and promoting blind nationalism.
Kerala Literature Festival
The Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) is an annual cultural event held in Kozhikode, Kerala, celebrating literature, art, and ideas. Launched in 2016, it has grown into one of India’s largest literary gatherings, featuring renowned authors, thinkers, and performers from around the world. The festival highlights Kerala’s rich literary heritage while promoting contemporary discourse in multiple languages.
Bollywood
Bollywood is the informal term for India’s Hindi-language film industry, based in Mumbai (formerly Bombay). It is the largest film industry in the world by number of films produced and has been a major part of Indian culture since the early 20th century, blending music, dance, and drama in its storytelling. Known for its colorful, high-energy films, Bollywood has gained global popularity and influence.
Gadar 2
«Gadar 2» (2023) is a Bollywood action-drama film and a sequel to the 2001 blockbuster *Gadar: Ek Prem Katha*. Set during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, it continues the story of Tara Singh (Sunny Deol), a Sikh man fighting to reunite his family amid political turmoil. The film blends historical context with patriotic themes, echoing the original’s focus on love, sacrifice, and national identity.
The Kerala Story
«The Kerala Story» is a controversial Indian Hindi-language film released in 2023, which claims to depict the alleged forced conversions and recruitment of women from Kerala by the extremist group ISIS. The film sparked widespread debate, with critics accusing it of promoting misinformation and Islamophobia, while supporters argued it exposed a hidden threat. Its portrayal of Kerala’s socio-political landscape has been heavily disputed by historians, politicians, and fact-checkers.
The Kashmir Files
«The Kashmir Files» is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Vivek Agnihotri, which depicts the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from the Kashmir Valley in the 1990s amid rising insurgency and violence. The film claims to be based on true events and interviews with survivors, highlighting the persecution and killings faced by the Hindu minority. It has sparked significant debate, with supporters calling it a bold portrayal of history, while critics accuse it of promoting a divisive narrative.
