In a candid reflection on the current state of Hindi cinema, veteran filmmaker Karan Johar has voiced his concerns regarding the industry’s sudden and intense pivot toward “alpha male” narratives. During a recent interview, the Dharma Productions head took a subtle but pointed dig at the burgeoning trend of hyper-masculinity, characterizing it as a byproduct of a deep-seated “herd mentality” that often prioritizes box-office formulas over creative depth.
Addressing the shift in theatrical content, Johar observed that the success of recent high-octane blockbusters has led to a repetitive cycle of similar stories. He noted that when a particular genre strikes gold at the ticket window, the industry tends to flood the market with carbon copies, leading to an era dominated by what he calls “testosterone-heavy” films.
Johar humorously dismantled the visual tropes that have become the hallmark of this phase. He remarked that audiences are currently being served a steady diet of brooding protagonists who walk in slow motion for no discernible reason, sporting thick beards and perpetually clutching cigarettes. According to the filmmaker, there is a prevailing—and perhaps mistaken—belief among male creators that this specific brand of aggression and machismo is exactly what women want to see on screen.
The director’s critique also touched upon his personal experiences with audience expectations. Johar recalled the significant backlash he received for certain creative choices in his 2023 hit, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Specifically, a scene featuring a male character performing Kathak—a classical Indian dance—drew ire from sections of the mainstream audience who questioned the depiction of a “non-traditional” male figure.
“I had a whole barrage of mainstream audiences who asked, ‘How could you depict a man like that?'” Johar shared. He emphasized that as a “born feminist,” he feels a responsibility to tell stories that challenge rigid gender roles, regardless of the prevailing trend. He argued that while the big screen is currently chasing the “alpha” high, streaming platforms (OTT) have become the true sanctuary for layered, nuanced, and diverse storytelling.
While Johar has been critical of the trend’s repetitive nature, he also offered a nuanced take on the success of films like Animal, Gadar 2, and RRR. In separate discussions, he clarified that while these films may sometimes bypass traditional logic, they succeed because of the sheer “conviction” of their makers. He cited examples like a protagonist defeating a thousand enemies with a single hand pump, noting that if a director truly believes in the world they are building, the audience will follow.
However, his latest comments suggest a growing weariness with the “alpha” phase. He warned that the industry risks losing its soul if it continues to prioritize “30-second Instagram reel trends” over authentic narratives.
Despite his critiques of the current landscape, Johar remains a prolific force in the industry. He is currently preparing for the release of the romantic drama Chaand Mera Dil, starring Ananya Panday and Lakshay, which is scheduled for a May 2026 theatrical debut. Additionally, fans can expect the return of his iconic talk show, Koffee With Karan, for its ninth season this Diwali, where the debate over Bollywood’s changing masculinity is almost certain to take center stage. To know such
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