Internet criticizes Indian films for degrading women via item songs.
Internet Slams Indian Films for Reducing Women to Item Songs: Why Is She Still Called an “Item” in 2026?
Hyderabad: For decades, the “item song” has been one of the most recognizable features of mainstream Indian cinema. Marketed as a crowd-pulling formula packed with glamour, catchy beats, and mass appeal, these songs were often treated as harmless entertainment. But in 2026, audiences are looking at them differently. What was once accepted without much questioning is now facing intense scrutiny online, especially from younger viewers who believe these songs often reduce women to objects rather than individuals.
The latest debate began after visuals of actress Mouni Roy from the song Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai surfaced online. Mouni plays Shammo in the film, and while her role had already generated discussion because she appears as Varun Dhawan’s mother despite the actors being close in age, the song created an entirely different controversy.
Many viewers argue that the criticism is not directed at dance, glamour, or self-expression. One user commented that such songs often depict intoxicated men dancing around a woman, trying to touch or pursue her, while the woman herself remains little more than a spectacle. Another questioned why filmmakers continue to rely on decades-old formulas despite changing audience expectations.
This discussion did not emerge in isolation. Earlier, Nora Fatehi’s song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke from KD: The Devil attracted widespread criticism for its lyrics and presentation. The controversy became serious enough to draw the attention of the National Commission for Women, which stated that artistic freedom should not come at the expense of women’s dignity. The backlash resulted in public apologies and legal proceedings involving representatives of those associated with the song. For many observers, the episode highlighted a growing public unwillingness to overlook content perceived as objectifying women.
A similar debate followed the release of promotional material from Peddi, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor. Critics argued that Janhvi’s character appeared to have little purpose beyond being admired and desired. The issue, according to many viewers, was not the actress herself but the way her role was written and presented. Despite being one of the leading actresses of her generation, she was seen by some as another example of a recurring industry pattern in which female characters are given limited agency while male characters drive the story.
At the heart of these discussions lies a larger question: why is a woman still referred to as an “item” in 2026? Language matters because it shapes perception. The term itself reduces a person to an object, something to be displayed, consumed, or enjoyed.
Audiences today are paying closer attention not only to lyrics and dance moves but also to camera work, storytelling, and character development. Many are questioning why films continue to rely on scenes where men stare at, chase, tease, or surround a woman while the audience is expected to cheer. What may have once been viewed as playful is increasingly being seen as outdated and problematic.
The growing criticism reflects a broader cultural shift. Younger generations, particularly women, are less willing to accept portrayals that reduce female actors to decorative elements. They are asking why talented performers are frequently given songs that showcase their appearance rather than their abilities. More importantly, they are examining the social messages embedded within popular entertainment.
Why Audiences Are Speaking Out
- Viewers believe the term “item” is inherently dehumanizing and reduces women to objects.
- Critics argue that many item songs prioritize the male gaze over meaningful storytelling.
- Audiences are increasingly questioning lyrics that glorify stalking, chasing, or treating women as prizes.
- Social media has created space for immediate public criticism, making filmmakers more accountable than before.
- Younger viewers expect female characters to have agency, depth, and relevance to the plot. Cinema and Society Are Connected
- Positive and well-written female characters can help challenge outdated stereotypes.
- Entertainment can remain glamorous and commercially successful without relying on objectification.
- Audiences today are demanding stories that reflect modern values and greater gender equality.
Cinema does not exist in a vacuum. The stories, images, and messages presented on screen often shape the way people think and behave. That is why many viewers believe the conversation around item songs is about more than just music or dance. It is about respect, representation, and the values that popular culture chooses to promote. As audiences continue to evolve, filmmakers may increasingly face pressure to move beyond outdated formulas and create entertainment that celebrates women as complete human beings rather than reducing them to an “item.”