Rewriting Love: Why Commercial Films Require A Moral Makeover

The impact of movies on the minds of the common people is undeniable. Films do not merely reflect society; they actively shape it. Commercial films often introduce and enforce rigid societal norms, shaping how consumers perceive relationships, gender roles, and even individual identity.

While cinema influences multiple aspects of society, this discussion focuses specifically on how commercial films shape ideas of gender roles and romantic relationships.

Dissecting romance in Indian cinema

Films like Kabir Singh and Animal not only romanticise and glamorise the toxic behaviour of the male lead but also raise societal expectations imposed on women, i.e, how a woman is to behave: submissive, unquestioning, and willing to endure the toxic behaviour of her partner out of "love."

This leads to a broader examination of how love is portrayed in films. 

Acts such as acid attacks and uninvited appearances at the workplace are considered an infringement of privacy by any rational being.

Yet, films present these actions as expressions of love, which influence young audiences who may come to normalise this idealised version of what “love” is.

The concept of love itself is inherently subjective, so I may not be certain of what love is, but what I am certain of is what love is not.

Love is not a violation of privacy, and love recognises that consent is non-negotiable.

These portrayals do not remain confined to cinema halls. When harmful behaviour is repeatedly romanticised, it quietly changes what people accept in their own relationships.

Obsession starts to resemble devotion, control is seen as concern, and persistence after rejection is described as passion.

Over time, this weakens the ability to recognise boundaries, especially among young viewers who are still figuring out what intimacy means. 

Movies are an essential tool through which society is guided. They act as a moral compass, much like the stories we grew up reading, teaching audiences what behaviour should be admired and what should be excused.

This reveals the immense power filmmakers hold to influence not just individuals but entire generations. As the saying goes, “with great power comes great responsibility.”

Filmmakers need to recognise that this responsibility is not a legal obligation but rather a moral one.

This is not an argument for censorship or dismantling of commercial films, but rather a call for reform that acknowledges cinema’s influence and its moral obligation towards society.

Authored by Janani B, a student from Hyderabad, passionate about gender discourse. Views expressed by the author are their own.