Unveiling Gender Dynamics in 2023 Entertainment Industry

There's been a strong sense that 2023 has erased the relevance of women in entertainment, driven by the lustful heroics of Shah Rukh Khan (Pathaan and Jawan), Sunny Deol (Gadar 2), and Ranbir Kapoor (Animal). As B-team players are Ranveer Singh (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani), Vicky Kaushal (SamBahadur), Ayushmann Khurrana (Dream Girl 2), and Kartik Aaryan (Satyaprem Ki Katha).

However, there are a few names that have bravely persevered. It's true that actresses like Vidya Balan, Kangana Ranaut, and Taapsee Pannu appeared flimsy in their roles as producers, Vidya Balan in Chandramukhi 2 and Tejas, Kangana in Ranaut, and Taapsee Pannu in a weak Dunki. All three of these movies were well-known for being women-centric movies, so they were loud failures.

There have also been subdued female victories that have not received enough recognition. Give it to Dream Girl 2 producer Ektaa Kapoor, who also contributed creatively to the film. In addition to holding the fort in the absence of any celebrities and hosting the trailer's preview on her terrace, she saw her Rs 35 crore investment turn a profit of over Rs 140 crore. With a powerful acceptance speech, she became the first Indian recipient of the International Emmy Directorate Award in New York. However, Ektaa hasn't slammed the table and declared that this has been her year of victory.

With stoic dignity, Meghna Gulzar handled the box office confrontation between a gentleman (Sam Bahadur) and a beast (Animal). Sam had it harder when Animal was stomping all over the place and winning all the big shows. One was marked on the packaging with an elitist class, while the other was controversial, chauvinistic, and crudely appealing. However, the film about the first field marshal of India defied harsh criticism and earned more than twice its investment—Rs 55 crore—just from box office receipts. If it had been a solo release, Sam would have received more attention and earned more money. However, Meghna did not even utter a "ouch" when Animal injured Sam's earnings. There was none of the animosity that had been present, for example, between Om Shanti Om and Saawariya or between Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son of Sardaar. Sam carried himself with dignity and left with his head held high. Ranbir and Meghna are both so good at what they do that it's likely that one day they will work together. This one's for Meghna, who hasn't made a big deal out of Sam's victory on the battlefield yet.

It is also impossible to overstate how much Deepika Padukone's oomphy presence enhanced Pathaan and Jawan's commercial appeal.

Ananya Panday also had a stable time during that time. She proved she could pull off more than just the ideal red carpet moment when she joined the popular Dream Girl 2 and purchased her own apartment in the posh Bandra suburb.

Sonakshi Sinha also enjoyed her moment when the web series Dahaad, in which she portrayed a tough cop, received a lot of positive feedback. Perhaps they should also bow down to producers Zoya Akhtar, co-director Ruchika Oberoi, and her business and creative partner Reema Kagti.

Nevertheless, it would be wise to acknowledge that testosterone accounted for a significant portion of the box office in 2023, regardless of one's stance on the commercial value of women in film. Given that selling Pathaan, Gadar, and Animal required the male salesmen's mass magnetism, one could be tempted to conclude that the boys' record-breaking financial success this year invalidates discussions of gender parity. But then Dunki shows up, and SRK quietly bids a raucous year farewell. The only conclusion is that gender doesn't really matter because everyone is fallible.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Press Time staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.