Ridiculous age differences in movies
South Indian cinema has always been known for its dramatic storylines, catchy songs, and over-the-top action scenes. But one aspect of these movies that always leaves us scratching our heads is the ridiculous age gap between the hero and heroine. It’s almost as if the filmmakers are trying to see how far they can push the limits of believability. But they fail to understand that some things are really outrageous.
But why do filmmakers continue to cast such glaring age differences in their movies? Is it because they think it’s romantic? Or is it because they want to show that age is just a number? Whatever the reason, it’s always a source of amusement for the audience.
Why does this trend continue?
The age gap between lead actors and actresses in commercial films is a well-established norm that has been accepted by audiences for years. While this may seem problematic to some, there are several reasons why this trend continues to thrive.
Firstly, the concept of age has always been subjective in the entertainment industry. Actors and actresses are often chosen for their physical appearance and marketability rather than their actual age. Hence, it is not uncommon for an older actor to play a younger character or vice versa.
The Commercial Element
The commercial film industry is driven by box office success. In order to appeal to a wide audience, producers and directors often opt for the tried-and-tested formula of casting a popular actor opposite a younger and new (fresh face as they claim it) actress. This has been a successful strategy in the past, with several movies grossing millions of dollars at the box office.
The age gap between actors and actresses has become a part of the larger narrative in commercial films. It is often used to create conflict, tension, and drama in the plot. It is not uncommon to see an older male actor playing a mentor or a savior (the typical knight in shining armor crap) to a younger female actress. This dynamic creates an interesting dynamic between the two characters and adds depth to the story.
The Classic Examples
Let’s take a look at some of the most outrageous age differences in Tamil movies. First on the list is Vijay’s “Sarkar”. In the movie, Vijay plays a 44-year-old businessman who falls in love with a college student played by Keerthy Suresh. The age difference between the two is a whopping 23 years! It’s hard to imagine how the romance between the two could be believable, but the movie still manages to pull it off.
This could be a little controversial to talk but anyway let’s do that. Another movie is “KGF Chapter 1”. A Box- Office hit, that broke multiple records across India and industries. In the movie, Yash plays a 30-year-old gangster who falls in love with a 17-year-old girl played by Srinidhi Shetty. That’s a 13-year age difference! It’s hard to believe that a middle-aged gangster would have anything in common with a teenage girl, but then again, it’s just a movie. Come on, before talking about the age, who in the right mind is even ready to marry a gangster?
And let’s not forget about the Malayalam movie “Lucifer”. In the movie, Mohanlal plays a 63-year-old politician who falls in love with a 27-year-old journalist played by Manju Warrier. That’s a whopping 36-year age difference! It’s hard to imagine a senior citizen being interested in someone who is barely out of her twenties.
Finally, the entertainment industry is known for perpetuating societal norms and expectations. Ageism is a prevalent issue in every other film industry, where actresses are often relegated to supporting roles as they get older. Hence, the age gap between actors and actresses may be a reflection of the larger societal expectations placed on women to be younger and more attractive.
Whether it’s the outrageous age differences or the attempts to hide them, there’s always something to laugh about. But hey, who are we to judge? At the end of the day, it’s just a movie, and as they say, anything is possible in the movies! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride, no matter how ridiculous it may be.
