Veteran filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya has sparked an interesting debate in the film industry after sharing his thoughts about modern Bollywood characters. According to the renowned director, characters like Kabir Singh from the movie Kabir Singh and the intense protagonist of Animal played by Ranbir Kapoor are not very different from the beloved ‘Prem’ characters seen in his classic films.
Barjatya, known for creating family-oriented blockbusters like Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! and Hum Saath-Saath Hain, explained that audiences often view characters through the lens of their storytelling style rather than their actual traits. The iconic ‘Prem’ character, famously portrayed by Salman Khan in several Barjatya films, is widely remembered as kind, loving, and deeply devoted to family values.
However, Barjatya believes that if one looks closely, the emotional intensity and deep attachment shown by characters like Kabir Singh or the lead in Animal come from a similar place of passion and commitment.
Understanding the Characters
In Kabir Singh, actor Shahid Kapoor plays a brilliant but deeply flawed surgeon who struggles with anger and obsession after a heartbreak. Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor portrays a complex and morally grey character in Animal, a film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Both films sparked widespread discussion about toxic masculinity, obsessive love, and the portrayal of flawed heroes in modern cinema.
Barjatya pointed out that the difference lies mainly in presentation. While his characters express love through sacrifice, respect, and family bonding, modern filmmakers often portray similar emotional intensity through darker or more aggressive behavior.
Evolution of Bollywood Heroes
Over the years, Bollywood has seen a dramatic shift in the portrayal of male protagonists. In the 1990s, characters like Prem symbolized ideal love, humility, and family devotion. Films from that era focused heavily on values, traditions, and relationships.
In contrast, modern films such as Kabir Singh and Animal explore darker psychological layers of characters. These protagonists are often rebellious, emotionally unstable, or morally ambiguous, reflecting the changing tastes of audiences and the evolving storytelling style of the industry.
Despite these differences, Barjatya suggests that the core emotion—deep love and attachment—remains common across generations of Bollywood storytelling.
Audience Perception and Debate
Barjatya’s comments have triggered mixed reactions among film lovers. Some agree that emotional intensity is a common thread across many characters in cinema. Others argue that comparing the gentle and respectful Prem with the aggressive personalities of Kabir Singh or the lead character in Animal oversimplifies the ethical differences between them.
Film critics have long debated whether characters like Kabir Singh romanticize problematic behavior or simply portray flawed human beings realistically.
A Reflection of Changing Times
Ultimately, Barjatya’s perspective highlights how storytelling evolves with time. The director, who continues to be associated with wholesome family dramas, acknowledges that the new generation of filmmakers is exploring more complex characters and darker narratives.
While Prem remains a symbol of ideal romance and family values, modern characters like Kabir Singh and the protagonist of Animal represent a more intense, conflicted version of love and identity.
The discussion also reflects a broader question in cinema: whether love in films should be portrayed as perfect and pure, or flawed and emotionally turbulent.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, these contrasting portrayals show how the industry balances tradition with modern storytelling, ensuring that audiences always have something new to debate and discuss.
