Five Narratives That Decode Male Rage

Watch “Arjun Reddy”, “Kali,” “Thappad”, “Kaatru Veliyidai”, and “Darr” if you haven’t already, and explore the ramifications of male anger.

Male rage and toxic masculinity are complicated subjects often prominently in cinematic narratives. Here are five stories with protagonists whose many issues drove them over the edge.

 ‘Arjun Reddy’

This fiery portrayal of a passionate and hot-tempered medical student inspired remakes like ‘Kabir Singh’ and created a huge debate about normalizing what many perceived as toxic masculinity. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Vijay Deverakonda starred in this 2017 Telugu drama that revolved around the protagonist’s ego and his complicated love affair with Preeti (Shalini Pandey). The film featured polarising scenes of physical and verbal violence and showed how love can make a relationship toxic when deeply entwined with rage. The film is available for streaming on Disney Hotstar and Prime Video.

‘Kali’

Sameer Thahir’s directorial masterpiece shares the devastating consequences of uncontrolled anger in everyday situations as well as within the confines of a marriage. The film centers around the intricate journey of Siddharth, brilliantly portrayed by Dulquer Salmaan, as he struggles with his inner fury. This turmoil profoundly impacts the relationships he holds dear, particularly with his wife and family. Presented as an action entertainer, the film also shows the difference between righteous rage and self-destructive anger. The film is available for streaming exclusively on iTAP.

‘Thappad’

‘Thappad’, a film that has garnered widespread critical acclaim, unravels the complex theme of domestic violence. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, this 2020 film stars Taapsee Pannu as Amrita, a gentle, nurturing housewife whose life undergoes a seismic shift when her husband Vikram portrayed by Pavail Gulati, slaps her during a house party. But ‘Thappad’ is more than about just one slap; it delivers a powerful critique of patriarchy that excuses domestic violence as normal. It also stars Dia Mirza, Ratna Pathak Shah, Kumud Mishra, Tanvi Azmi, Manav Kaul, and is available to watch on Prime Video.

‘Kaatru Veliyidai’

‘Kaatru Veliyidai’ focuses on the life of Varun, an Indian Air Force pilot battling with explosive anger issues. Directed by Mani Ratnam, the film interestingly peels back the layers of Varun’s character, revealing his struggles and exploring the destructive consequences of uncontrolled anger on his personal relationships. Through this complex yet relevant narrative, ‘Kaatru Veliyidai’ issues a vivid reminder of the importance of self-regulating toxic emotions. It stars Karthi, Aditi Rao Hydari, and RJ Balaji, and is available to stream on JioCinema.

‘Darr’

This Yash Chopra directorial plunges us into the unsettling world of Rahul, portrayed with intensity by Shah Rukh Khan. Rahul’s character is not merely that of an obsessive lover; he also embodies a storm of unbridled anger that gradually spirals into a sinister narrative of stalking and violence. It’s one of the first Indian films to depict obsession and its dark consequences. Starring Juhi Chawla, Sunny Deol, and Anupam Kher, it is available for streaming on Prime Video.