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Pushpa 2, Animal & Marco Masala Movie Fans [SKIP THIS VIDEO] In recent years, Indian cinema be it Bollywood or Tollywood has seen a massive rise in films that feature grey-shaded protagonists. From Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna’s rugged and rebellious roles in Pushpa and Pushpa 2, to Ranbir Kapoor and Tripti Dimri’s intense, violent romance in Animal, these films have taken over the mainstream like never before. Upcoming releases like Unni Mukundan’s Marco, Raghav Juyal’s Kill, and Sonu Sood’s Fateh are also expected to follow similar themes, action-packed, morally complex, and often violent. But amid all the hype, glamour, and box office numbers, a serious question arises: Should these films only be seen as entertainment, or do they need to be critically examined? This video dives deep into this very debate. Masala movies have always been a core part of Indian cinema, loud, dramatic, over-the-top, and unapologetically entertaining. But the new wave of masala films is also heavily leaning into anti-hero narratives where the lead characters indulge in crime, violence, and toxic masculinity, yet are glorified on screen. These films, while being high on action and drama, are shaping pop culture and youth behavior in subtle yet impactful ways. Take Pushpa Raj, for example the character played by Allu Arjun is rebellious, aggressive, and emotionally complex. While audiences love his style, attitude, and dialogues, very few pause to ask what message is being delivered to young minds through such glorified portrayals? Similarly, Animal’s lead is emotionally unstable and violent, yet portrayed as deeply romantic and admirable. The fear is not that such characters exist, but that they are celebrated without consequence. Whenever someone raises criticism about these films, fans are quick to defend them saying: “It’s just entertainment. Why are you overthinking it?” But cinema has always been a reflection and sometimes a driver of societal behavior. When millions idolize characters who shoot, loot, or manipulate, without being shown the consequences of those actions, it starts influencing public perception, especially among the younger generation. In this video, we explore why it is important to watch Bollywood masala films with a critical point of view. This isn’t to say that action-packed, grey-character-driven films should stop being made. But audiences, critics, and creators must all be aware of the cultural, psychological, and social impact these films carry. Storytelling with nuance is essential, and entertainment doesn’t have to come at the cost of glorifying violence or regressive behavior. We'll also touch upon the rising trend of anti-hero worship, the shift from morally righteous leads to flawed and dangerous ones, and how cinematic responsibility matters more today than ever.