Pakistani Dramas and the Portrayal of Toxic Characters: A Double-Edged Sword

The Pakistani drama industry has experienced a resurgence in popularity over the past year, thanks in part to several hit shows that have captured the hearts of audiences. However, a recent study has highlighted a concerning trend in these dramas: the frequent portrayal of toxic male characters that often normalize abuse and violence against women. This has sparked a heated debate among experts and industry insiders, with some arguing that these characters are a reflection of societal norms, while others contend that they are a product of poor writing and a desire for profit.

According to a study on the glorification of misogyny and violence in Pakistani TV dramas, 73.9% of participants agreed that combining romance and violence in dramas fosters acceptance of abuse. Experts attribute this to the writers' attempts to draw engagement from viewers at the expense of poor storytelling. The study also notes that this trend has been on the rise in recent years, with more dramas featuring characters that exhibit toxic behavior towards women.

Industry insiders acknowledge that audiences play a significant role in shaping the type of content that gets produced. Popular dramas often prioritize profit over quality content, and the demand for "mirch masala" (spice and drama) pushes writers to create characters that are more extreme and attention-grabbing. However, some writers and producers are deviating from the traditional archetype and creating more complex, realistic characters.

Fans often idolize toxic characters, with writers justifying this by attributing it to the audience's hazy sense of right and wrong or internal industry pressure. However, some writers, like Rida Bilal, try to carefully construct scenes to ensure characters' toxic actions are shown for what they are. Others argue that the portrayal of female villains is often worse than that of male villains, with female characters rarely shown as empowered and vulnerable.

Despite the efforts of some writers and producers to challenge the status quo, the issue of toxic male characters in Pakistani dramas is a complex one that requires a multifaceted approach. Addressing societal values and expectations, rather than just relying on fictional narratives, is crucial to creating change. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how writers and producers navigate this tricky terrain and create content that resonates with audiences without perpetuating harmful stereotypes.