R. Madhavan, the star of the early 2000s hit Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (RHTDM), has recently addressed the ongoing criticism surrounding his character, Maddy, and the film's portrayal of toxic masculinity. In light of contemporary discussions around problematic male characters in cinema, Madhavan offered his perspective on the issue.
The movie Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein follows Maddy (R Madhavan) who falls in love with Reena (Dia Mirza). Obsessed with her, he impersonates Rajeev, the person she's to be married to but hasn't seen him. When the secret is out, he is unable to handle rejection.
Madhavan acknowledged the flaws in his character and the film but argued that such portrayals are not unique and are, in fact, quite common in Indian cinema. Speaking with HTCity, Madhavan said, "If you look back at any Hindi film or film hero, you'll find that he is completely flawed. Because that's part of the way Indian culture has been represented". He further stated, "There's nobody, there's no actor in the Hindi film industry whose one film or the other is not toxic masculinity".
He pointed out that many on-screen heroes have exhibited toxic traits, using the example of heroes slapping women in movies. "Any hero who has slapped a woman on the set or in the story is toxic," he said.
The actor's remarks come amidst a backdrop of evolving perceptions of masculinity in Bollywood. Films like Kabir Singh and Animal have faced similar criticism for their depiction of problematic male characters, prompting discussions about the impact of these portrayals on audiences. Some argue that Maddy's behavior in RHTDM, including his manipulation and stalking of Reena, sets a bad example and reinforces harmful stereotypes. Others acknowledge the character's flaws but appreciate the film's music and the chemistry between Madhavan and Dia Mirza.
Madhavan also raised a pertinent question about the current understanding of masculinity and how men should approach women. He said that if a guy sees a woman on a train and wants to approach her with noble intentions, what is the way to do that? If he keeps a letter the woman gives, it is considered creepy. "So, we have to change our understanding of what masculinity is right now", concluded the actor.
Despite being a commercial under-performer during its initial release, RHTDM gained a cult following over the years. The film's re-release was met with significant success, demonstrating its enduring appeal to audiences. However, it also continues to spark debate about its romanticization of toxic behavior. Vrajesh Hirjee recalled nearly having a confrontation with Saif Ali Khan while shooting a scene in Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein.
