In a recent interview with News18 Showsha, Emraan Hashmi engaged in a candid discussion about the Hindi film industry, addressing topics ranging from hypermasculinity in cinema to the prevalence of insecurity among male actors. Hashmi, currently receiving acclaim for his role in "Haq," didn't shy away from expressing his views on the ongoing debates surrounding "toxic" masculinity and moral ambiguity in Bollywood.

Hashmi acknowledged the rise of "woke culture" and its impact on social media, noting the criticism leveled against hypermasculine characters. However, he also pointed out the commercial success of films like "Animal," suggesting that a significant portion of the audience, particularly men, identifies with such portrayals. He stated that the audience is "buying tickets" for films featuring hypermasculine men. Despite the popularity of these films, Hashmi expressed his hope for a more balanced cinematic landscape that includes stronger women-led narratives. He stressed that there is space for women-centric films, though not many are being made at this time.

The actor also addressed the hesitation within the industry to support women-led narratives, attributing it to insecurity among male actors. Hashmi questioned how many actors would be willing to take on projects like "Haq" or "The Dirty Picture," emphasizing the need to move beyond the conventional narrative of male victory. He urged his peers to overcome their insecurities and embrace diverse storytelling.

Hashmi believes that films requiring a "hyper-masculine man, a villain, the tropes, the clichés" will continue to dominate the box office because that is what the audience wants. He drew a parallel to the 1970s and 80s, highlighting the success of hypermasculine films starring Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna, such as "Deewar" and "Trishul".

However, Hashmi remains optimistic about the future of storytelling, especially with the rise of streaming platforms. He sees the current moment as a "transitional phase," suggesting that OTT platforms offer a space for more diverse and nuanced narratives. Hashmi's film "Haq," co-starring Yami Gautam, recently premiered on Netflix, showcasing a story based on a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court.