My Toxic Trait Is That I Will Always Love Every Ranbir Kapoor Character, Phir Woh Chahe Problematic Hi Kyun Na Ho
From essaying Ranbir Raj in his debut film–Saawariya to playing the India-born superhero–Shiva in his latest Brahmāstra, Ranbir Kapoor’s filmography has brought some unusual characters and beautifully weaved performances to the big screen. With a charm that surprisingly isn’t measured by Bollywood’s idea of men and muscles, each of Ranbir’s cinema outings has carved a special spot in the hearts of his fans. For a generation who clings to the cinematic world in quest of relatability and tailor-make the bubbles of fantasies, that are both starry and comforting, Kapoor’s atypical display of a Hindi cinema hero dared to travel a road, which certainly was less taken. Leading a career of close to two decades, Ranbir time and again has tasted the bitter truth of the box office and enjoyed the sweet laddoos, as well. In his attempt to figure out his niche, the 40-year-old star replaced the phenomenon of the knight in shining armour with toxic man-child behaviour. And as he walked the path of normalising the latter, it surprisingly managed to welcome love.
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With close to twenty-seven films in his kitty, Ranbir has said yes to characters, who your best friend often told you to stay away from. Touting the idea of being emotionally unavailable, Ranbir visited us on the big screen with names like–Bunny, Sid and Samar Pratap. So much so that his toxic charm, found more loving takers than protesting haters. And being a part of the former group, I still am falling for him, over and over again.
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This ever-evolving existence of Kapoor’s toxic characters on the big screen, and his search for a woman who willingly takes the charge of either fixing or falling for him, has handed over a magical formula to every woman, who thinks she has the power to mend the behaviour of their men. In most cases, the triggering contrast between cinema and reality, helps you with a mirror, screaming that neither are you Naina nor is he a Bunny. But again, we still go back to every script that happily serves us with an arresting sight of Kapoor, wearing the tag of toxicity. So, instead of figuring a way out of this RK fandom, as someone who still wants the glitters, that come dipped in thorns, I have listed down each of the actor’s famous onscreen kirdaars who maxed out on the toxic trait but were still loved.
Wake Up Sid-Sid Mehra
As a spoiled brat Sid Mehra, Ranbir’s search for his passion takes him through rough times of broken friendships and some sweet new ones. As he takes on the duties of putting his act together and learning the omelette routine, on his way, Konkona Sen Sharma’s Aisha, unwillingly takes the charge of showing him the way. It is through Aisha, that Ranbir learns to love the simple way of living, and also the one that goes beyond his dad-owned credit cards. Kapoor again delivers a performance that explains the characteristics of a confused adult, which comes well-marinated with his allure.
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Raajneeti-Samar Pratap
As Ranbir unintentionally or statistically aimed to manufacture this category of emotionally vulnerable men, Samar Pratap from Raajneeti became his next character in line. The actor took a dip in the world of politics. Unlike his previously played, boy next door characters, Kapoor took help from Raajneeti to expand his range. As Samar Pratap, Kapoor enters the dirty world of political play and decides the fate of his childhood friend Indu (played by Katrina Kaif) to receive money from her industrialist dad. Again, Kapoor’s charm found takers in his ever-expanding fandom, and put him in a different light, with a character displaying many shades of grey.
Rockstar- Janardhan “Jordan” Jakhar
Ranbir as Jordan in Rockstar was indeed a naadaan parindha. It was through his melodious voice, broken heart and a clear display of his angst that brought Jordan to life. The film’s success was studied using a platter of mixed reviews, but Rockstar is still known as a piece of art. For Janardhan, falling in love was presumably his ticket to success, which also eventually guided him towards the turbulent roads in his life. His character again displayed the many shades of his wavering emotions. Actress Nargis Fakhri’s character Heer, again here played a part to push Kapoor’s character plot on the big screen.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani- Bunny
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani‘s Bunny is the epitome of toxicity. Through each of his relationships, Bunny was termed a problematic protagonist in one of the most successful box office hits. His lens gauging Naina’s (Deepika Padukone) “hotness” or “beauty” over time is explained through his growing feelings for her, in the second half. Bunny’s twisted persona tutored Kapoor’s fans a lesson in love, but through his idea of a girl in specs and a sexy saree. Naina, as played by Deepika, was one amongst us, who can’t help but fall for ‘that one guy.’ And while I can list down the many problematic aspects of Bunny’s personality, I will leave it on a happier note, by confessing my still strong feelings for his “Badtameez Dil” (can’t help ya!).
Also Read: Songs Have Always Been The Brahmastra Of Birthday Boy Ranbir Kapoor’s Films. We Picked Our Favourites
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil- Ayan
In his blockbuster 2016 film–Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Kapoor again takes the charge to display a man’s emotional vulnerabilities. But this time, his position in the film comes swapped with the leading lady, and he is suffering through pain, instead of him causing some. But much like Ser Criston Col from House Of The Dragon, Ranbir’s Ayan is weak in subjects that speak about consent. A lovelorn Ayan is like Kapoor’s role in Rockstar, but less intense. This problematic man-child of a filthy rich father, adds to the fail-proof recipe, that only Ranbir knows to dish out on the big screen. But with his twinkling eyes, dard eventually kam hojata hai, and I always end up enquiring, “Pardon me, can you please tell me what was the problem with Ayan?”
Alexa play, “Bachna Ae Haseeno” and also Happy Birthday Ranbir Kapoor!
Feature Image credits: Jasveen Kaur Sawhney
