Emraan Hashmi explains why Animal worked, says men in Bollywood are “very insecure”

emraan hashmi about men

Actor Emraan Hashmi has shared candid thoughts on why films like Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal found huge success at the box office — and also delivered a blunt critique of his own industry’s mindset. In a recent conversation with News18 Showsha, he said "hypermasculine man who’s seen as toxic is what’s doing in theatres", adding that even though "there’s an uproar surrounding it" but people still are buying tickets. Talking about Animal, he said, “Why did a film like Animal work? Yes, there was a woke brigade working against it. There was a perception to that. But there were so many men identifying with it.

He also spoke about his films Haq and The Dirty Picture, adding that men in the entertainment industry are "insecure." "Men in our industry are very insecure. How many people would’ve done a film like Haq? Every narrative should showcase a man’s victory. I’m not blowing my own trumpet here. But even back then, I did a film like The Dirty Picture. I liked the subject. We need to get off our insecurities and do more stuff like that," he added.

Audiences will spot Emraan in Neeraj Pandey's Netflix crime series Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web, which is set to start streaming on January 14. Set against the backdrop of airports and international trade routes, the series explores the realm of smuggling, illicit goods, and the unwavering efforts of those committed to stopping it. The cast also includes Anurag Sinha, Nannyish Sandhu, and Amruta Khanvilkar, among others.