Avinash Tiwary on Dhurandhar's box office success, depiction of alpha men in cinemas
Avinash Tiwary discussed the success of Dhurandhar and the importance of family audiences returning to theatres for Bollywood's revival. He also reflected on the changing portrayal of masculinity in Hindi cinema, emphasising integrity over traditional labels like 'alpha' or 'soft' men.
With his upcoming film Ginny Weds Sunny 2 set for release, Avinash Tiwary is stepping into a space Bollywood has been cautiously trying to reclaim -- feel-good, family-friendly entertainers that bring audiences back to theatres. The actor is also exploring the rom-com genre after a series of intense roles, and says he’s excited for fans to see a different side of him. In an exclusive chat with India Today, he also spoke about Dhurandhar’s box office success and whether it could draw more audiences to cinemas.
Reflecting on Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar’s film and the buzz around it, Tiwary said, “I think Dhurandhar is a good film. It made money. I just want good films to make money. That’s all. If it’s a good film, it should make its money. If it’s not, you move on.”
In an industry often chasing a ‘formula’, he remains unfazed about whether the film’s success could trigger a wave of big-budget action dramas. The Laila Majnu actor said films don’t work that way, as no one can predict what will click. “Everyone wants to make good films, and we hope we make good films that people like,” he added.
Speaking about his own release, Tiwary said he is banking on a crucial audience segment — families. For him, their return to theatres could be a game-changer. “If families come, you fill four times the seats. I keep saying this — families need to come back to cinemas,” he said.
Beyond box office numbers, the actor also weighed in on the evolving portrayal of masculinity in Hindi cinema, a conversation that often swings between ‘alpha’ heroes and ‘soft’ men. Having played a negative role earlier this year in O’Romeo and now taking on a romantic lead, Tiwary shared his perspective on how men are depicted on screen.
He said society has long been conditioned to see men as providers and protectors. “I feel we are not providers any more. And if we consider ourselves protectors, then what is happening with women today wouldn’t be happening. The truth is, a man is neither just a provider nor a protector,” he said, adding that many are still trying to redefine their roles.
Tiwary also questioned the labels often attached to men. “Honestly, I don’t know what ‘soft men’ or ‘alpha men’ mean. I’ve grown up around family men who stood up for their families. Their role was to support growth for everyone, not just themselves,” he said.
For him, masculinity is about integrity rather than image. “They stood up for what was right and what was wrong. It’s about holding your ground. We don’t show enough men doing that. That integrity is what defines a man for me,” he added.
Also starring Medha Shankr, Ginny Weds Sunny 2 is set to release on April 24.
With his upcoming film Ginny Weds Sunny 2 set for release, Avinash Tiwary is stepping into a space Bollywood has been cautiously trying to reclaim -- feel-good, family-friendly entertainers that bring audiences back to theatres. The actor is also exploring the rom-com genre after a series of intense roles, and says he’s excited for fans to see a different side of him. In an exclusive chat with India Today, he also spoke about Dhurandhar’s box office success and whether it could draw more audiences to cinemas.
Reflecting on Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar’s film and the buzz around it, Tiwary said, “I think Dhurandhar is a good film. It made money. I just want good films to make money. That’s all. If it’s a good film, it should make its money. If it’s not, you move on.”
In an industry often chasing a ‘formula’, he remains unfazed about whether the film’s success could trigger a wave of big-budget action dramas. The Laila Majnu actor said films don’t work that way, as no one can predict what will click. “Everyone wants to make good films, and we hope we make good films that people like,” he added.
Speaking about his own release, Tiwary said he is banking on a crucial audience segment — families. For him, their return to theatres could be a game-changer. “If families come, you fill four times the seats. I keep saying this — families need to come back to cinemas,” he said.
Beyond box office numbers, the actor also weighed in on the evolving portrayal of masculinity in Hindi cinema, a conversation that often swings between ‘alpha’ heroes and ‘soft’ men. Having played a negative role earlier this year in O’Romeo and now taking on a romantic lead, Tiwary shared his perspective on how men are depicted on screen.
He said society has long been conditioned to see men as providers and protectors. “I feel we are not providers any more. And if we consider ourselves protectors, then what is happening with women today wouldn’t be happening. The truth is, a man is neither just a provider nor a protector,” he said, adding that many are still trying to redefine their roles.
Tiwary also questioned the labels often attached to men. “Honestly, I don’t know what ‘soft men’ or ‘alpha men’ mean. I’ve grown up around family men who stood up for their families. Their role was to support growth for everyone, not just themselves,” he said.
For him, masculinity is about integrity rather than image. “They stood up for what was right and what was wrong. It’s about holding your ground. We don’t show enough men doing that. That integrity is what defines a man for me,” he added.
Also starring Medha Shankr, Ginny Weds Sunny 2 is set to release on April 24.
