Naseeruddin Shah Says He Tried Watching RRR And Pushpa But Couldn't: 'Main Aisi Films Dekhne Kabhi Na Jaaun'

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah recently spoke about the success of Bollywood films that glorified hyper-masculinity. He also shared that he couldn’t sit through movies like 'RRR' and 'Pushpa'. 

Naseeruddin Shah recently spoke about the success of Bollywood films that glorified hyper-masculinity.

New Delhi: Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah recently spoke about the success of Bollywood films that glorified hyper-masculinity. He also shared that he couldn’t sit through movies like 'RRR' and 'Pushpa'. 

In an interview with the YouTube channel 'We Are Yuvaa' the actor spoke about the recent blockbuster films and his inability to watch them He said, “I have great faith in the younger generation and I think that they are far more evolved, far more informed and far more savvy than we were. Apart from the thrill, I can’t imagine what else one gets from watching such films. I tried to watch RRR, but I couldn’t. I tried to watch Pushpa, but I couldn’t. Although I did watch a Mani Ratnam film, completely, because he is a very capable filmmaker and does not have an agenda. And I can’t imagine besides the thrill or feeding the emotions hidden inside you. There is a sense of happiness that often lingers for several days after watching. I can’t imagine. Main aisi films dekhne kabhi na jaaun.” 

Talking about the successful films like ‘Kabir Singh’ that promote hyper-masculinity, he said, “Men’s insecurity is increasing. That’s why hyper-masculinity is being emphasised even more. All superheroes, now in America, this Marvel universe is thriving, and it’s happening here too. But alongside, films like A Wednesday also succeed, which don’t have a hypermasculine hero. Granted, the premise of that film is completely impossible. So, that character somehow falls into the hero category because what he does, it’s not possible for anyone to do. But people overlook that, because he provides them with a thrill. So I suppose this need to receive a thrill is there and will always be there. But the acceptance of smaller films like those made by Anurag, like Ramprasad Ki Terhvi, like Gulmohar, I think these kinds of sensitive movies will find their place as well.” 

Earlier in an interview with Free Press Journal, Naseeruddin Shah expressed concern that jingoism was becoming the driving force behind the success of Bollywood films. 

He said, "Now the more jingoist you are, the more popular you become, because this is what has been ruling this country. It’s not enough to love your country, but beat drums about it and you have to create imaginary enemies. What these people don’t realise is that what they are doing is very harmful. In fact, films like 'Kerala Story' and 'Gadar 2', I haven’t seen them but I know what they are about."