Kabir Singh to Animal: Why Gen Z is romanticising Bollywood’s 'toxic' heroes

Why are flawed characters loved by Gen Z

A trend is beginning to emerge, from the erratic Kabir Singh, the brooding Krish Kapoor to Ranbir Kapoor's intense Ranvijay in Animal. In addition to admiring these morally complex men, Gen Z is romanticising and elevating them to the status of cultural icons.

It's an intriguing paradox. Although this generation openly advocates for empathy, mental health, and responsibility, they are attracted to characters who who often break those boundaries. The reasons behind this obsession reveal a lot about how Gen Z relates to art, morality, and themselves.

Perfect Heroes Are Out, Flawed Humans Are In

Past generations had heroes who were impossibly virtuous — the flawless “good guy” who always made the right choice. But Gen Z has grown up in a hyper-transparent world where imperfections are constantly visible. Social media has stripped away the illusion of perfection, and people have become comfortable with contradictions.

Ranvijay's emotional instability, Kabir Singh's stormy demeanour, and Krish Kapoor's quiet brutality all reflect the imperfect reality of human nature. It's refreshing to Gen Z that these characters don't act flawless.

The Thrill of Rebellion Without Consequences

The dark characters do things that most people wouldn’t dare to in real life — lash out, defy norms, love obsessively, and reject societal approval. Watching them is a safe way to experience rebellion without bearing the fallout.

For a generation constantly told to be politically correct, humble, and image-conscious, these characters provide a cathartic escape. They let Gen Z feel without filter, to indulge in chaos for a few hours without ruining their own lives.

Complexity Feels More Real Than Morality

Today’s audience is less interested in “good vs evil” and more drawn to why someone is the way they are. Krish Kapoor’s emotional ambiguity, Kabir Singh’s obsession rooted in heartbreak, and Ranvijay’s love tangled in trauma — these are layered portrayals.

Gen Z has grown up in an era of moral greys — political divisions, conflicting narratives, and blurred ethical lines. They understand that a person can be both loving and destructive. That’s why complexity resonates more than one-dimensional morality.

Charisma and Power Are Magnetic

Even when flawed, these characters radiate charisma — sharp dialogue delivery, unwavering confidence, physical dominance, or fierce loyalty to those they love. While toxic in real life, these traits are intoxicating on screen.

The fandom often separates the “person” from the “behaviour” — admiring Krish Kapoor’s aura, Ranvijay’s intensity, or Kabir Singh’s passion, while conveniently ignoring the problematic actions.

Vulnerability Beneath the Violence

What keeps these characters from being pure villains is their vulnerability. Krish Kapoor’s emotional restraint hints at loneliness, Kabir Singh’s aggression masks heartbreak, and Ranvijay’s brutality is rooted in childhood wounds.

Gen Z values emotional transparency. Seeing a moment where the mask drops — a tear, a hesitation, a silent plea — adds emotional depth and makes these characters unforgettable.
Social Media’s Role in Romanticizing Them

On TikTok, Instagram, and X, fandom edits strip away the negative context and highlight the most magnetic moments: a protective gesture, a stare across a room, a fight scene slowed to romantic music.

In these edits, Ranvijay isn’t a violent man — he’s a tragic lover. Kabir Singh isn’t controlling — he’s deeply devoted. Krish Kapoor isn’t manipulative — he’s mysterious. Social media reframes the narrative, making these characters easier to idolize.

Also Read: 'Shah Rukh Khan mopped the floor himself to do the knee-slide in I Am The Best song shoot', reveals Faruk Kabir

Attraction With Awareness

It’s important to note that many in Gen Z admire these characters while also being aware of their toxicity. Loving them on screen doesn’t always mean wanting them in real life. Instead, it’s about exploring darker emotions safely, identifying red flags, and understanding the psychology of obsession and trauma.

The fascination with Krish Kapoor, Kabir Singh, and Ranvijay is less about endorsing harmful traits and more about seeking honesty in storytelling. These characters are messy, contradictory, and painfully human — just like the world Gen Z has inherited.

In them, audiences find a strange blend of warning and comfort: proof that imperfection can be magnetic, and that sometimes, the most compelling stories live in the grey.