Madhavan, admired for his versatility and grounded personality, brought to the fore an issue that is often debated in Bollywood—the casting of older male actors opposite much younger actresses. After working for so long across various languages, the actor discussed how the waning appeal of audience perception has been the bane of this long-established formula. R Madhavan Breaks Silence On Trolls Over Young Actress Pairings.
Admitting the Trolls
Madhavan stated that the process of uniting older men and younger women on-screen used to be a celebrated concept, but now it seems to be not working in favor of the audience. He pointed out that, compared to the early days of cinema, audiences today are far more aware, and loud, and they question anything shown on-screen, which they deem to be unrealistic. Today, though, the criticism and trolling have relentlessly caught on to this profession, forcing filmmakers to reconsider.
Madhavan remarked that Bollywood, during the past decade and a half of his career, was entering such a transformation that the narrative content should become reflective of life experiences. Large-age-difference couples, which were once glamourous or a show of star power, now seem outdated. He thinks this change reflects pleasingly on the progression of cinematic sensibility, as audiences are shifting toward questions of authenticity and relatability in the realm of romance.
Ironically, With His Own Movie
The actor mentioned that, interestingly, his own project still has the all-too-familiar age-gap dynamic, which he ironically states is a question for timing. Regardless, this does not change his perspective on the subject. For Madhavan, the pertinent takeaway would be that industries should listen to the audience and adjust their narratives to audiences’ present sense of relatability.
Looking Forward
Madhavan’s words indicate that Bollywood, in dribs and drabs, is moving away from cliché romantic paradigms. For a change to create more room for creative and inclusive narratives, more filmmakers should be eager to begin casting appropriately for age and in less stereotypical character depictions.
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