Farhan Akhtar calls out filmmakers ‘glorifying’ toxic masculinity; expert explains its impact on young minds

So, how does the glorification of toxic male characters shape the audience’s, especially a young man’s, idea of “masculinity”?

According to Delhi-based psychologist Priyanka Bhosale, what we applaud becomes what young minds absorb. She explained, “A boy who repeatedly sees aggression framed as strength, emotional numbness praised as ‘cool,’ and dominance packaged as heroism doesn’t just watch a character – he studies a manual. Not consciously. Not deliberately. But slowly, quietly, consistently.”

She further elaborated, “When cinema repeatedly celebrates aggression, emotional detachment, or dominance as marks of strength, young men don’t simply watch these characters—they absorb them.” Psychologists call this observational learning: behaviours that are rewarded or romanticised on-screen slowly become internalised as acceptable or admirable.

 

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What happens psychologically when the media normalises disrespect or aggression towards women?

Normalisation doesn’t shout; it whispers, explained Dr Priyanka. “It erodes discomfort so subtly that harmful behaviour starts looking familiar—even acceptable.”

The psychologist added, “When problematic male actions are framed as jokes, playful banter, or romantic intensity, the brain gradually reconfigures its understanding of harm.” Psychology shows that this leads to:

• Desensitisation: empathy dulls; discomfort fades.
• Cognitive distortion: aggression gets reframed as “love.”
• Behavioural imitation: “If the hero does this and is adored, it must be fine.”
• Internalised gender expectations: girls learn to tolerate; boys learn to dominate.

In her opinion, “A disrespectful scene might last 12 seconds, but its psychological imprint can last years—especially in a generation consuming these narratives without context or critique.”

What responsibility do filmmakers carry when portraying violent or problematic male behaviour?

An enormous one, reiterated Dr Priyanka, “whether they acknowledge it or not.” “The media is not a passive mirror. It is an active architect of culture. Every character is a blueprint; every applause is social permission. When toxic or violent male behaviour is shown without consequence, critique, or emotional depth, it stops being a plot device and becomes a pattern,” she added.

Here’s how responsible filmmaking can help bridge those gaps:

• Show the emotional fallout on the man.
• Show the psychological impact on the woman.
• Show that strength is not cruelty but accountability.
• Demonstrate that vulnerability is a form of courage, not weakness.

“Filmmakers shape emotional norms, relational expectations, and gender templates for millions.
What they portray today may become someone’s personality tomorrow,” the psychologist concluded.