Exploring Toxic Masculinity in Bollywood: A Critical Analysis of 'Tu Jhooti Main Makkar'

Recently, the Bollywood industry has faced criticism for the recurrent glorification of toxic male characters in its films. One such critical example is the movie 'Tu Jhooti Main Makkar,' which perpetuates harmful and outdated gender roles, often at the expense of women's agency and well-being. This article aims to critically analyze the film and discuss its implications on society.

Introduction: 'Tu Jhooti Main Makkar'

'Tu Jhooti Main Makkar' stands as a prime example of the desiring male fantasy found in many Bollywood films. In this movie, Shraddha is portrayed as a lsquo;cool girl, ' a trope that reinforces a male-centric ideal of female perfection. She is depicted as someone who can eat three platefuls of food yet remain skinny and gorgeous, someone who dances and drinks openly in clubs, and someone who engages in casual sexual encounters without any obligations. However, the catch is that she ultimately settles for someone with limited ambitions, despite her own career aspirations and personal dreams.

Violence and Objectification

One of the most troubling aspects of 'Tu Jhooti Main Makkar' is its portrayal of violence and objectification. The male lead's behavior is aggressive and degrading towards women, often justified as acceptable within the narrative. For instance, he slaps a woman who rejects his advances and threatens to kill another woman who tries to leave him. These scenes imply that violence is not only acceptable but also a sign of power and control.

Furthermore, the movie promotes a hyper-masculine ideal that reduces women to mere objects of desire. Female characters are depicted as subservient and solely focused on fulfilling the male lead's desires, often in superficial and demeaning ways. This objectification negates women's agency and autonomy, reinforcing harmful gender dynamics.

Toxic Beauty Standards

'Tu Jhooti Main Makkar' also exemplifies harmful beauty standards, particularly in the promotion of toxic notions of femininity centered around skin color. The song ‘Fair Skinrsquo' in the film emphasizes that fair skin is desirable, while darker skin is viewed negatively. This perpetuates a damaging beauty ideal that can have serious psychological and social impacts on individuals, especially young viewers who are impressionable.

The Fabrication of False Liberation and Real Domination

The twist at the end of the film reveals a farcical portrayal of false liberation and real domination. When the engagement breaks, Shraddha is shown to be totally broken, spending her time drinking and passing out. Eventually, she is taken care of by other people, including Dabbas and his wife, and later Mickey's family. The male lead finally breaks her spirit, domesticating her into his life.

The film manipulates the narrative to suggest that a woman must settle for a man with limited ambitions to achieve happiness. It implies that her ambitions and desires are irrelevant as long as she ultimately accepts her fate. Even at the finale, she is shown to have to live in a chaotic and tumultuous environment, symbolizing the real dominance and lack of freedom.

Conclusion: The Need for Positive Messaging

It is crucial for the Bollywood industry and other media to promote positive messaging about gender and beauty, challenging harmful stereotypes perpetuated by skewed representations in films. Movies like 'Tu Jhooti Main Makkar' contribute to a society where harmful gender dynamics dominate, and women are often portrayed as subjugated and objectified.

By promoting true equality and respect, the industry can help create a more inclusive and equitable society where individuals of all genders are valued and respected for who they are, rather than what ideals they are forced to embody.