Cinema holds a
mirror to society, reflecting a vast
spectrum of personalities and human behaviour. When it comes to
identifying the character types, we often label fictional figures as
‘green-flag’ or ‘red-flag’ characters, based on their morality,[ behaviour, and the impact they
have on others.' Green-flag”
characters portray positive traits like
kindness, respect and emotional intelligence whereas ‘red-flag’ characters embody, problematic
behaviours such as toxicity, manipulation or disregard for other’s feelings.
Actors and Actresses, bring these
characters to life, often switching
between the green flag roles or the red flag roles, showing the range of
skills and how different characters can resonate with audiences. Let's take a look
at some of the actor's performances in Indian cinema portraying green flag roles
and red flag roles.
Shahid Kapoor: Aditya Kashyap
(Jab We Met) vs. Kabir Singh (Kabir Singh):
Green Flag: Aditya Kashyap:
In
the movie called Jab We Met, Shahid Kapoor plays the
character, Aditya Kashyap who is a great businessman but
emotionally drained in his personal life. He embarks on a
journey of self-discovery with the
vivacious Geet. Aditya’s character is
almost a green flag in every sense. He is
kind-hearted, understanding,
and respectful towards Geet’s choices. His transformation from a gloomy, lost
individual to a supportive friend and eventually a loving partner is handled
with grace and emotional maturity. Aditya encourages Geet to be herself, supports her dreams, and never forces his
feelings on her, making him a character with admirable traits.
Red Flag:
Kabir Singh:
On
the other end of the spectrum, is the character of Kabir
Alia Bhatt: Kaira (Dear Zindagi) vs. Veera Tripathi (Highway):
Green Flag:
Kaira:
In Dear Zindagi's film, Alia Bhatt plays the
character named Kaira who is a successful cinematographer dealing with mental
health issues and personal insecurities. Kaira’s character is
not without flaws, but her journey towards self-awareness, emotional growth and
seeking therapy make her a green flag. She acknowledges
her problems, works
on them and learns to navigate relationships with maturity. The portrayal of Kaira breaks the
stigma surrounding mental health and emphasizes the importance of addressing
emotional wounds healthily.
Red Flag:
Veera Tripathi:
Alia’s
character in Highway is complex,
and though Veera isn’t inherently a red flag In terms of toxic behaviour, her reactions and
decisions can be problematic in certain contexts. After being kidnapped, Veera forms a bond
with her captor leading to a Stockholm syndrome-like situation. While Veera’s trauma and her emotional journey are central to the narrative, her attachment to
her abductor blurs the lines of a healthy relationship, leading to morally
ambiguous behaviours. It showcases how
deep-rooted trauma can judge and make one
overlook dangerous situations.
Ranbir Kapoor: Bunny (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani) vs. Ved (Tamasha):
Green Flag: Bunny (Kabir
Thapar):
In
the film,
Red Flag: Ved Vardhan Sahni:
In Tamasha, Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Ved, explores a man trapped
in societal expectations, struggling with an
identity crisis. Ved is
emotionally unstable, and erratic and often lets his frustration out, on others
especially his love interest Tara. His outbursts,
impulsive decisions and inability to cope with his reality are red flags
that indicate emotional immaturity and unresolved issues. Though Ved ultimately
finds his true self, his journey is
riddled with moments about how we
handle personal pain and its impact on relationships.
Deepika Padukone: Piku Banerjee (Piku) vs. Veronica (Cocktail)
Green Flag:
Piku Banerjee
Deepika’s
portrayal of Piku in Piku is that of an independent, strong-willed
woman who balances her demanding career with the responsibility of caring for
her ageing father. Piku is a green flag because of her resilience, patience, and
sense of duty. She is assertive but never disrespectful, understanding but not
a pushover. Piku’s character represents emotional strength, self-reliance, and
maturity, making her a role model for modern women navigating family
obligations and personal aspirations.
Red Flag: Veronica
In Cocktail, Deepika Padukone plays
Veronica, a carefree, rebellious woman who enjoys her life on her terms but
struggles with deep-seated emotional issues. Veronica’s red flag behaviours emerge in her impulsiveness, self-destructive tendencies,
and her need for validation from others. Her jealousy, reckless partying, and
emotional dependency make her a character who is struggling to find balance,
often crossing boundaries that result in strained relationships. While her
transformation in the movie is notable, her initial traits reflect emotional
instability and vulnerability to toxic behaviours.
Conclusion: The Dichotomy of Characters
The
ability of actors and actresses to slip into both green flag and red flag roles
speaks to their versatility. Characters like Aditya, Kaira, and Bunny are
inspirational figures who show the
power of emotional intelligence, respect, and personal growth. On the other
hand, characters like Kabir, Ved, and Veronica remind us of the darker aspects
of human nature, where personal pain, insecurity, and toxic behaviours can lead to unhealthy relationships.
Ultimately, both types of characters play an essential role in cinema, as they reflect the complexities of real life. We encounter people with both green and red flags in the world, and understanding these archetypes helps us navigate the emotional terrain of our own relationships. What makes a character memorable, in the end, is not just their flag but the journey they take—sometimes from red to green, as they evolve through the narrative of the story. Come join us as we explore the latest trending movies and rediscover some iconic performances—all in one place!
