In an interview in November 2024, screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar shared his opinion on how a film like Animal is extremely harmful to society.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal has sparked many controversies, with people debating its potentially harmful impact due to its themes.
Javed Akhtar stated that if such a film is patronized by audiences, it could be very damaging.
However, after the release of Dabba Cartel in February, produced by Javed Akhtar’s family, including Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Akhtar, and starring his wife, Shabana Azmi, many people called him a hypocrite.
Dabba Cartel is a show about five ordinary women who secretly run a drug cartel under the disguise of a tiffin business.
Some fans have criticized Javed Akhtar for his so-called hypocritical stance, pointing out the contrast between his comments and the show produced by his family.
Animal has been accused of toxic glorification of masculinity and misogyny, which reinforces harmful societal norms.
However, Dabba Cartel does not glorify drug cartels in any way.
A comparison between the two seems meaningless.
In a patriarchal, misogynistic society where women are already oppressed, films like Animal or Kabir Singh reinforce toxic norms in the audience’s minds.
Meanwhile, a show like Dabba Cartel is unlikely to inspire people to start a drug cartel.
While some people support or oppose this comparison, others question whether such a debate is necessary. They argue that films should be seen purely as entertainment.
However, films leave an impact long after they are over.
Just as a superhero or underdog story can inspire and motivate us, a misogynistic film that portrays men suppressing and undermining women can reinforce societal behaviours and attitudes toward women.
The actual question is- Would have such a comparison arisen if the female leads of the show were male and not ordinary, everyday women?
