 "From Prosenjit Chatterjee in Netflix Khakee: The Bengal Chapter to House of the Dragon; today's best heroes are far from perfect")
Premiering on March 20, Netflix Khakee: The Bengal Chapter promises to captivate viewers with its explosive blend of relentless action, intricate drama, and unexpected twists. Gone are the days when audiences sought simple narratives with clear-cut heroes and villains. Today, viewers are craving higher levels of complexity, depth and exploration of the human experience.
This shift has profoundly impacted how protagonists are portrayed. Heroes are no longer perfect, virtuous individuals on a straightforward quest for justice. Instead, the spotlight is now on flawed, morally ambiguous characters who defy traditional expectations. From the power struggles of House of the Dragon to the dysfunctional Roy family in Succession, flawed protagonists have become the new heroes, captivating audiences with their complexity and relatability.
Look at Shabana Azmi in Netflix Dabba Cartel which is far from perfect. The future, the shift towards morally complex characters may also influence other forms of media, from literature to advertising, where characters who embody imperfection, vulnerability, and contradiction will become the norm rather than the exception.
A Changing Landscape in Storytelling
At the heart of this shift is a fundamental change in what people are looking for in stories. In today’s media landscape, audiences are no longer satisfied with simplistic narratives. They are more willing to embrace the complexity of human nature, understanding that people are rarely all good or all bad. With the rise of streaming platforms and global content accessibility, people are exposed to diverse storytelling styles, which has sparked an interest in more intricate, multifaceted characters.
This desire for nuance and depth in storytelling is reflected in the rise of morally complex protagonists, or even outright villains, who take center stage in shows like House of the Dragon (JioHotstar) and Succession (JioHotstar). These characters are not just anti-heroes, but intricate beings whose motivations are driven by deeply human flaws, making them more relatable to modern audiences.
The Allure of Flawed Protagonists in International TV
House of the Dragon has become a prime example of this shift. The show, set in the Game of Thrones (available on JioHotstar and Amazon Prime Video) universe, explores the Targaryen dynasty and the internal conflicts that threaten its reign. The show’s characters, such as Rhaenyra Targaryen, are far from the heroic archetypes we once revered. Rhaenyra’s ruthless ambition, her manipulative actions, and the choices she makes to maintain her power are not those of a traditional hero. Yet, viewers find themselves drawn to her, not because of her moral purity, but because of the complexity of her struggle and her determination to navigate a male-dominated world.
Similarly, Succession has won acclaim for its portrayal of the morally bankrupt Roy family. Logan Roy, the family patriarch, is a cutthroat media mogul who values power above all else, and his children—Kendall, Shiv, and Roman—are no better. Each character is deeply flawed, making decisions that often prioritize personal gain over ethical considerations. The show’s strength lies in its ability to make viewers empathize with these morally grey characters, who, despite their flaws, embody ambition, vulnerability, and the quest for identity.
The Shift in Indian Cinema
This trend is not confined to Western storytelling. In India, filmmakers have increasingly turned to flawed protagonists to reflect the complexities of contemporary society. Bollywood’s shift from traditional heroism to morally ambiguous characters can be traced back to the 1970s with films like Zanjeer (JioHotstar) and Deewar (Amazon Prime Video). Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of the ‘Angry Young Man’ was a turning point, presenting protagonists who were disillusioned with the system and willing to break the rules to achieve justice. These characters were not paragons of virtue, but their struggles resonated with the socio-political realities of the time.
Fast forward to today, and we see a resurgence of morally complex protagonists in Indian cinema. Films like Kabir Singh (Netflix) and Tumbbad (Amazon Prime Video) present central characters who are far from heroic. Kabir Singh, for instance, is a self-destructive, emotionally unstable individual whose actions often challenge the viewer’s moral compass. Yet his raw vulnerability and tragic journey make him an undeniable figure of empathy. Tumbbad takes a darker approach, exploring themes of greed, immortality, and obsession through its central character, whose flawed nature is central to the narrative.
This shift in the portrayal of protagonists reflects a larger cultural shift in India, where audiences are increasingly open to exploring the moral ambiguities of life. A survey conducted by the National Film Archive of India revealed that 72% of Indian viewers preferred protagonists who displayed complexity and moral ambiguity, rather than clear-cut heroes or villains. These characters, it seems, resonate with viewers because they mirror the messy, unpredictable nature of real life.
The Popularity of Morally Ambiguous Characters
The commercial success of films and TV shows featuring morally ambiguous characters further proves the growing demand for this new kind of hero. In the last decade, streaming platforms have seen a surge in the popularity of shows that focus on flawed, often villainous characters.
Breaking Bad (Netflix), Money Heist (Netflix), and The Sopranos (JioHotstar) are just a few examples of global hits that have garnered massive followings for their morally complex protagonists. Similarly, in India, films featuring anti-heroes have continued to perform well at the box office, despite their morally questionable nature. Drishyam 2 (Amazon Prime Video), a crime thriller about a man seeking revenge for his family, is a prime example of how a morally gray protagonist can resonate with the audience.
The growing appeal of such characters is backed by research. A study conducted by Nielsen revealed that 67% of global streaming audiences preferred shows that featured protagonists with moral ambiguity. This shift towards morally complex characters is not just a trend; it is a reflection of the changing values of modern audiences. Viewers are no longer content with a world where good and evil are clearly defined. Instead, they seek stories that explore the shades of gray that exist in between.
The Reflective Nature of Anti-Heroes
The rise of flawed protagonists is also tied to the reflection of societal complexities. In today’s world, issues like corruption, inequality, and the abuse of power are prevalent across many societies. Characters like Logan Roy in Succession or Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon embody these issues by navigating the corrupt systems of power they inhabit. They reflect the complexities of modern political, social, and economic landscapes, where moral decisions are rarely clear-cut.
In India, too, films and TV shows featuring anti-heroes have increasingly engaged with social and political themes. Films like Article 15 (Netflix) and Tumbbad explore issues such as caste-based discrimination and the moral compromises people make in the pursuit of personal or societal goals. The protagonists in these films may not always embody traditional notions of heroism, but their stories speak to the struggles of individuals who are caught in a world filled with moral and ethical gray areas.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Anti-Heroes
The rise of the flawed protagonist shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, the future of storytelling will likely see even more complex characters who challenge our notions of heroism. As streaming platforms and filmmakers continue to explore the complexities of human nature, we can expect to see more protagonists who defy traditional labels. In fact, the line between hero and anti-hero may become even more blurred as storytelling evolves to embrace more nuanced, realistic depictions of the human experience.
The rise of flawed protagonist marks a significant shift in the way we tell stories. Today’s audiences are no longer content with simplistic depictions of good and evil. They seek complexity, depth, and a reflection of the messy, contradictory nature of human existence. This shift is not just a trend; it represents a new era of storytelling, one where the heroes are often just as morally ambiguous, if not more so, than the villains. As we move forward, the flawed protagonist will continue to reign, offering a window into the complexities of our world and our shared human condition.
(With added inputs from agencies)