Sooraj Barjatya Says Kabir Singh and Animal Reflect the Quintessential Prem

Updated: March 04, 2026 05:30

Image Source: Times Of India

Veteran filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya has equated modern alpha-male characters like those in Kabir Singh and Animal with his iconic “Prem,” calling them “two sides of the same coin.” He argued that while Prem embodied gentleness, today’s intense heroes also express deep love, showing evolving portrayals of romance in Bollywood.

Bollywood director Sooraj Barjatya, known for redefining romance through his iconic “Prem” characters in films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Maine Pyar Kiya, has drawn parallels between his gentle protagonists and contemporary intense heroes. According to Times of India, CineShout, and The Indian Express, Barjatya remarked that characters like Kabir Singh and Animal represent the same emotional depth as Prem, albeit in a different form.

Barjatya explained that while Prem was soft-spoken and idealistic, today’s “alpha-male” heroes embody passion and aggression but are equally driven by love. He described them as “two sides of the same coin,” emphasizing that cinema evolves with audience preferences but the essence of love remains constant.

He acknowledged criticism from some viewers who argue that such idealized men don’t exist, but countered that both gentle and intense portrayals reflect real human emotions. Barjatya’s comments come amid debates about toxic masculinity in films like Kabir Singh and Animal, sparking fresh discussions on how Bollywood represents romance and male protagonists.

Major Takeaways

Sooraj Barjatya equates Kabir Singh and Animal with his iconic Prem characters
Calls them “two sides of the same coin,” both driven by deep love
Prem represented gentleness and idealism, while modern heroes embody passion and aggression
Remarks highlight evolving portrayals of romance in Bollywood across generations
Debate continues on whether such characters reflect reality or perpetuate stereotypes
Barjatya insists both styles capture authentic emotional intensity in relationships

Conclusion

Sooraj Barjatya’s comparison of Prem with Kabir Singh and Animal underscores how Bollywood’s depiction of romance has shifted from gentle idealism to intense passion. While styles differ, the filmmaker believes the essence of love remains unchanged, sparking renewed debate on the cultural impact of male protagonists in Indian cinema.

Sources: Times of India, CineShout, The Indian Express

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