Ratna Shah, a noted film actress, recently stirred up controversy by calling the Oscar winning film RRR “regressive.” The film, directed by S.S. Rajamouli and starring Ram Charan, Jr. NTR, and Alia Bhatt, has been generating a lot of buzz in the Indian film industry and among fans worldwide, with its impressive star cast, performances and other elements. However, Shah’s comments have sparked a debate over whether the film’s storyline and themes are indeed regressive.
Shah’s criticism of RRR centers around its portrayal of women, who are relegated to secondary roles in the male-dominated narrative. In an interview, she stated that “RRR is a regressive film because it puts women in the backseat and doesn’t give them any agency or significant role in the plot.” She further added that the film reinforces outdated gender stereotypes, where women are portrayed as weak and dependent on men. Shah’s comments have received mixed reactions from fans and industry insiders, with some agreeing with her assessment, while others have criticized her for being overly critical of the film’s storyline.
RRR is set in the 1920s and revolves around two freedom fighters, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, who fought against the British Raj in India. Alia Bhatt plays the character of Sita, who is a pivotal part of the film’s narrative. However, some critics argue that her role is minimal and lacks depth, which reinforces the stereotype of women being helpless and subservient to men.Â
Others point out that the film is set in a historical context where gender roles were different, and women did not have the same agency as men.While there is no denying that RRR is a highly rated film, Shah’s comments bring up important questions about representation and gender equality in Indian cinema. It is crucial for filmmakers to create narratives that are inclusive and progressive and challenge stereotypes and gender norms.
